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The PRO nurse: advocate for quality care
Geriatric Nursing (New York, N.Y.)
|March 1, 1993
Summary
Nurses play a vital role in monitoring Medicare beneficiary care quality since 1983. This expanded nursing practice offers patient advocacy opportunities and new career paths for dedicated professionals.
Area of Science:
- Nursing Practice
- Healthcare Quality Assurance
- Public Health Policy
Background:
- The Social Security Amendments of 1983 mandated expanded nursing roles.
- Nurses are integral to monitoring the quality of care for Medicare beneficiaries.
- This evolving practice area presents unique challenges and opportunities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the expanded role of nurses in Medicare quality assurance.
- To identify patient advocacy opportunities within this nursing specialty.
- To inform nurses about potential career advancements in healthcare quality monitoring.
Main Methods:
- Review of legislative mandates impacting nursing scope of practice.
- Analysis of the evolving responsibilities of nurses in healthcare quality.
- Identification of patient advocacy functions within Medicare quality monitoring.
Main Results:
- Nurses have significantly contributed to the quality of care for Medicare beneficiaries.
- The role offers substantial opportunities for nurses to act as patient advocates.
- This practice area represents a growing field with distinct employment prospects.
Conclusions:
- The expanded role of nurses in Medicare quality assurance is well-established.
- Nurses are uniquely positioned to enhance patient advocacy and care quality.
- Interested nurses should explore opportunities with state PRO directors and nursing publications.