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How Healthcare Reform Will Impact Human Resources in the Healthcare Industry

According to Rossheim (n.d.), the demand for healthcare workers will be increased due to the passage of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA). The PPACA requires all United States citizens to obtain health care coverage or incur a penalty. Prior to the implementation of the PPACA, it was estimated that 47 million Americans were uninsured. The new projection, with the PPACA in full effect, is that 31 million non-elderly are expected to be uninsured by 2024, in comparison, without the PPACA, the projection of uninsured in 2024 would be 57 million. In the Rand Survey (2014), there was an estimated net gain of 9.3 million American adults with health insurance coverage between September 2013 and March 2014. In the website, obamacarefacts.com, it was stated that 60% of people with new coverage visited a doctor or other provider, went to a hospital, or paid for a prescription. If one was to extrapolate the numbers, then 60% of 9.3 million equals 5.6 million adults sought healthcare and this increase in consumers seeking healthcare would mean more healthcare workers are required to meet the demands of the newly insureds.

According to survey results and enrollment numbers, the thought is that the influx of new enrollees are younger and therefore, would require less healthcare services. I would argue that an increase demand in services would be sought after because, now under the PPACA, well visits and preventive services are covered; in my opinion, that would mean 9.3 million people needing the services of a primary care physician and ancillary technical services like mammography, colonoscopy, laboratory services and the like. What this means for Human Resources (HR) in the healthcare industry is a greater need for well-defined job descriptions, a solid on boarding process, to include a comprehensive training program, and a knowledgable HR staff to ensure all laws, rules, and regulations are followed. Additionally, a well designed recruiting plan should be established and should include the vehicles used to post positions (websites, job boards, journals, newspapers) in an effort to gain the most "views", as well as attract the right candidates.

There is certain to be a shortage in qualified healthcare workers for all job types. According to Rossheim (n.d.), the increased need for preventive services cannot be met by the existing physician population; therefore an increased demand for mid-level practitioners will be created. As registered nurses continue their education, to advanced practice nurse, to fill the needs created by the shortage of primary care physicians, then the shortage of bedside nurses will continue to grow. This vicious cycle, will require healthcare employers to ensure they have a strong strategic human resource plan to keep nursing students and experienced nurses in their recruitment pipeline.

References

Carman, K. G. & Eibner, C. (2014). Survey estimates net gain of 9.3 million American adults with health insurance. Rand Corporation. Retrieved from http://www.rand.org/blog/2014/04/survey-estimates-net-gain-of-9-3-million-american-adults.html

Obamacare enrollment numbers (2015). Retrieved on March 28, 2015, from http://obamacarefacts.com/sign-ups/obamacare-enrollment-numbers/

Rossheim, J. (n.d.). Healthcare staffing: how healthcare reform will likely impact hiring. Monster.com. Retrieved on March 28, 2015, from http://hiring.monster.com/hr/hr-best-practices/recruiting-hiring-advice/strategic-workforce-planning/healthcare-staffing-and-reform.aspx