The Health Security Act: implications for reimbursement

The current health care reform environment, with its myriad of legislative proposals, provides exciting possibilities for advanced practice nurses to finally secure direct reimbursement rights. Although other plans are being considered, the Clinton administration's Health Security Act remains the central focus of the debate over health care reform. In this article, specific aspects of the Clinton proposal are examined, and arguments are delineated that support nursing's ability to lower costs, improve access, and provide quality patient care. Recommendations for pursuing passage of legislation are also developed.