Within the U.S. health care system there are a number of key players that influence the health care policy development process and ultimately help shape our health care policies.
- Government (primarily federal and state governments) and interest groups like the American Medical Association, AARP, and the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation can have a direct impact on the outcome of the type of health care we receive.
- Patients (the largest consumers in the health care industry) are key players in the health care system, and the needs and wants of the public also drive the decisions made by health care decision-makers.
This assignment will help you better understand the role and influences of the key players in the health care policy development process.
Research the key players in the health care policy development process.
Select one of the key players at the government level (federal or state), a professional organization, or an interest group.
Write a 525- to 700-word paper that details the importance and impact this key player has on the policy development process. Your paper should include the following:
- Identify the key player and their level in the policy development process.
- Describe their role in the policy development process.
- Describe why the key player identified is important in the policy development process.
- Describe the impact the selected key player has on the policy development process.
Cite at least 2 reputable references. Reputable references include trade or industry publications; government or agency websites; scholarly works; your textbook, Health Policymaking in the United States (6th ed.); or other sources of similar quality.
Format your assignment according to APA guidelines.
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
In the United States healthcare system, various key players are involved in the policy development process, and they all play a crucial role in shaping the healthcare policies. These players may include the government at both federal and state levels, interest groups like the American Medical Association and AARP, and patients – the largest consumers in the healthcare industry. This paper aims to examine the impact and importance of one key player on the policy development process.
Answer:
The American Medical Association (AMA) is a professional organization that represents the interests of physicians in the United States. It is one of the significant players at the federal-level in the policy development process, and it has a direct impact on the type of healthcare the nation receives.
The AMA plays a crucial role in the policy development process by ensuring that the interests and opinions of physicians are well represented. The organization uses lobbying and advocacy efforts to influence federal policies that affect healthcare provision. For instance, the AMA advocates for policies that reduce the cost of healthcare services, improve medical education, and enhance access to care for underserved populations. Additionally, the organization also works closely with other stakeholders in the healthcare industry, such as government agencies, healthcare insurers, and pharmaceutical companies, to help develop policies that are aligned with the interests of its members.
The AMA’s importance in the policy development process cannot be overstated. As a professional organization that represents over 250,000 physicians, the AMA has significant influence in shaping healthcare policies at the federal level. Its involvement in the policy development process ensures that healthcare policies are developed based on a physician’s perspective, which enhances their effectiveness and efficiency.
The AMA also has a significant impact on the policy development process. Due to its expertise, the organization plays a vital role in developing medical policies, such as those related to medical practice standards, research, and ethics. Additionally, the AMA also influences federal policies related to healthcare financing, ensuring that lawmakers set policies that consider the needs of physicians and patients.
In conclusion, the AMA is a key player at the federal level in the policy development process that has a direct impact on the type of healthcare the United States receives. Its involvement ensures that healthcare policies are developed based on a physician’s perspective, which enhances their effectiveness and efficiency. Its expert input in the development of medical policies and the influence it wields in shaping healthcare financing policies make it essential in the policy development process.
