Annual update of how each state stands on legislative issues affecting advanced nursing practice.
The change from a free-for-service system to a system run by managed-care organizations has caused dramatic shifts in where and how health care is delivered. Within the managed-care systems, administrators need to show a good bottom line. Rapid restructuring of the system and the need for profit create many potential consequences (e.g., APNs squeezed out of participation on some provider panels; previously unattractive poor patients are now attractive because they can provide an ongoing revenue base; the use of more unlicensed personnel to provide patient services). Private businesses and the federal government like managed-care health care systems as an answer to the out-of-control escalating costs of health care. Managed care is likely to stay with us for a long while. Because political force comes from money and there is plenty of that in health care insurance corporations, managed care is likely to be with us for a long time. Regulations and control of these managed-care systems will probably be difficult. However, though big business has the money, APNs have the feet, hands and patience to seek further regulation of these huge corporations (e.g., antidiscrimination language to prevent exclusion from provider panels). With the reality of managed care, MDs are no longer in control of the health care system. The AMA's recent attempt to control other providers is tantamount to one ship officer attempting to control another on the Titanic's (i.e., fee-for-service system's) last evening. In a few states, fee-for-service is still predominant, but the majority of states are rapidly moving into megaconglomerate, finance-driven managed care run by business administrators. Things are getting so complex in today's world of corporate takeovers, managed-care megaconglomerates, and power-brokering politics that it is easy to understand why millions of Americans drown themselves in relatively simplistic good-versus-evil entertainment dramas. Huge changes in how the system operates have happened this year while the nation was busy following the Simpson trial. But NPs and other APNs must be very vigilant. We must ensure a place in this new system. Our patients and the nation need us!