Prepare for the Public Health Nursing Exam with quizzes, flashcards, and explanations. Enhance your understanding and confidence, ensuring you're ready to excel.

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Why do nurses in hospice and home care need to understand health policy?

  1. To provide safe nursing care

  2. To prevent elder abuse

  3. To receive payment for services provided

  4. To influence future legislation

The correct answer is: To receive payment for services provided

Understanding health policy is critical for nurses working in hospice and home care settings, particularly with regard to receiving payment for services provided. Health policy dictates the reimbursement structures for medical services, including those related to hospice and home care. Nurses must be knowledgeable about these policies to ensure that they can navigate the complexities of billing and insurance coverage effectively. This knowledge enables them to advocate for their clients to receive the necessary financial support for the services they require, which is crucial for sustaining care and ensuring that patients have access to necessary resources. Additionally, a solid grasp of health policy helps nurses understand the regulatory frameworks that govern their practice. This includes knowing about applicable laws and regulations that impact funding and reimbursement—key elements necessary for the financial viability of care programs. Overall, proficiency in health policy empowers nurses to facilitate smoother interactions with payers and enhances their ability to deliver continuous, effective care.