Which accurately describes the impact that the ACA had on expanding Medicaid?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: One of the major provisions of the ACA resulting in large numbers of Americans receiving health care coverage was through the expansion of Medicaid; however, each state was allowed to determine whether they would accept this expansion. Ultimately, 31 states and the District of Columbia elected to extend Medicaid coverage through the ACA and 19 chose not to.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) is the main federal organization that works to improve the safety and quality of the health care system. This was largely through funding research to make care safer and to improve quality by publishing materials to educate health care systems and professionals to put research into practice and through generation of measures and data to be used by providers and policymakers (AHRQ, 2017). AHRQ support efforts for clinicians and providers includes clinical guidelines and recommendations. AHRQ publishes research and reports specifically related to health care disparities, quality, and evidence-based practice but does not implement strategies.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The Future of Nursing report contains four key messages. One of the key messages is that nurses should practice to the full extent of their education and training. Unequal Treatment: Confronting Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Health Care addresses potential causes of disparities in health care. Keeping Patients Safe: Transforming the Work Environment addresses critical quality and safety issues with a particular focus on nursing care and nurses, and examines these issues from the perspective of the work environment. Priority Areas for National Action identified 19 priority areas that should be addressed to improve quality.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Health disparities refer to observable or quantifiable differences in the presence of disease, health outcomes, or access to health care among different groups or populations. In the United States, health disparities have long been recognized as particularly problematic among ethnic minorities, including blacks, Native Americans, and Hispanics. Research indicates that often these groups have a higher prevalence of chronic conditions and higher rates of mortality and poorer health outcomes when compared with the white population.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: State governments focus particularly on financing and delivery of services and oversight of insurance. The state is responsible for addressing the mission of public health-assessment, policy development, and assurance - throughout the state. Tasks include assessment of health needs based on statewide data collection; establishment of statewide health objectives; and delegating power to localities as appropriate and holding them accountable. States license health professionals as part of the statewide effort to develop and maintain essential personnel. Creating managed health organizations and establishing and managing local health departments are not a main responsibility of the state.