Shortage of Physicians and Its Implications
The introduction of the restrictive licensing policy has led to the lack of competent healthcare experts in Miami, FL (Budryk, 2014). The identified health policy has understandably negative effects on the quality of care, as well as patient outcomes, in general (Association of American Medical Colleges, 2016). Despite the fact that mortality rates are comparatively low in Miami, FL at present (Florida Department of Health, 2014), there is a threat that the lack of quality care will trigger deplorable consequences for the community. Therefore, the reconsideration of the current policy toward licensing and elimination of the current restrictive principles is bound to have a positive effect on patient outcomes in the identified environment (Budryk, 2014). The lack of qualified primary care physicians should be resolved by offering more opportunities to immigrant providers, yet the current policies do not allow for it.
Non-Restrictive Licensing Implementation: Essential Stages
The current licensing policy is intended at APRNs and health practitioners so that the quality of the services provided to the residents of Miami, FL could meet the existing standards. Furthermore, the needs of the Miami population are also taken into account. Therefore, the policy is intended to contribute to a massive improvement in healthcare service quality.
In light of the fact that there is a significant shortage of physicians in Miami, FL at present, it is strongly recommended that the state authorities should alter the current licensing policies by offering more opportunities to migrant employees. Particularly, the issues related to the provision of personal information, as well as the introduction of a wider range of testing locations. Thus, a greater number of healthcare experts with excellent skills will be able to get the license and, thus, contribute extensively to the improvement of the healthcare services quality.
The reduction of the license fee should also be viewed as an essential step in removing the barriers between Miami residents and high-quality healthcare. Although the current payment that physicians must be submitted in order to obtain the license cannot be deemed as high ($205 for the license and $100 for the application), the overall amount of money required to obtain the license is quite ample, including the $457 registration fee (Florida Board of Medicine, 2017). Therefore, the financial side of the process also needs to be taken into account when addressing the issue of restrictive licensing.
Role of the APRN in the Implementation of the Policy
When considering the role of an APRN in the implementation of the policy regarding restricted licensing, one must admit that it might seem somewhat passive. On the surface, an APRN is entitled to the same restricted number of responsibilities, which typically include the verification of the license and the process of applying for it. However, a closer look at the issue will show that, in fact, an APRN will also have to promote a range of innovations along with the concept of interdisciplinary communication as one of the essential implications of the new regulation. Thus, the premise for a massive improvement in the quality of care can be expected within a considerably short amount of time.
The reconsideration of the personal approach toward the provision of the relevant services to the target population and the identification of the existing quality standards should also be viewed as the primary goals of an APRN in the identified environment. Seeing that there is the need to adjust to the rapidly changing realm of nursing, one will have to make sure that the current standards of quality do not allow physicians with low proficiency levels to affect the quality of care and the health of a community.
Impact on the Clinical Practice and Positive Outcomes Promotion
When considering the effects of the Miami policy that introduces restrictions from the licensing process in the area of nursing in Miami, FL, one must mention the fact that the identified step opens new opportunities for delivering high-quality healthcare services (Kleiner, 2015). Indeed, an overview of the recent studies shows that nurses that are not bound by the standards of restrictive licensing tend to seek less expensive options for treatment. While allowing for a drop in expenses, the specified approach may affect the quality of the services, thus triggering negative patient outcomes. Restrictive licensing, in turn, creates the environment for consistent quality improvement (Kleiner, 2015).
Restrictive Licensing in the Context of an Interprofessional Team
It should be borne in mind that the introduction of the existing limitations that physicians face on their way to receiving the license will contribute to cooperation between the experts operating in different domains due to the staff’s understanding of the significance of professional growth. As a result, the chances of sharing experiences and improving the quality of care will emerge. For instance, physicians may develop emotional intelligence (EI) required to define the needs of patients in a more accurate manner (Mshellia, Malachy, Sabo, & Abu- Abdissamad, 2016). Furthermore, the culture-specific knowledge that would not have been available otherwise is bound to be of great help to the members of an interprofessional team, the members of which will communicate in a multicultural environment.
Conclusion: Restrictive Licensing in Miami, FL
The restrictions that Miami physicians have been facing to get the license required to provide healthcare are truly excruciating. The said limitations have a deplorable effect on the quality of care, preventing qualified people from providing their assistance to the patients that require consistent and efficient care. Furthermore, the lack of physicians.
References
Association of American Medical Colleges. (2016). New research confirms looming physician shortage.
Budryk, Z. (2014). Report: Florida has worst physician shortage.
Florida Board of Medicine. (2017). Medical doctor – unrestricted.
Florida Department of Health. (2014). Florida Department of Health releases 2014 vital statistics report. Web.
Kleiner, M. (2015). Reforming occupational licensing policies. Washington, DC: The Hamilton Project.
Mshellia, P. S., Malachy, O. D. Y., Sabo, B., & Abu- Abdissamad, A. M. (2016). Emotional intelligence and contextual performance among nursing professionals in Jos Metropolis, Plateau State, Nigeria. Journal of Good Governance and Sustainable Development in Africa (JGGSDA), 3(1), 19-33.