The politics of health care reform

Reform of the health care system is a complex process. Opinions vary as to the need for reform and the specific policy changes to be implemented. The Clinton administration has presented a proposal for health care policy reform, but alternative proposals have been recommended. A review of the legislative process indicates the many opportunities to amend or "kill" proposed health reform legislation. Given lack of success of the broad changes proposed in the Clinton plan, it is expected that incremental approaches will be more tried in the future. Active participation of neuroscience nurses in this process is strongly encouraged. The projected impact of health care reform on neuroscience nursing practice must be considered.