The internet issue is resolved, but the concern about providing health care to children and families continues. As school nurses we know that for some children their only access to health care is with us at school. This will change with some families who are now able to obtain health care that was not
previously available to them. The health of children is our fundamental concern. More preventive services offered to children allow them to arrive at school healthier. Children make up 20 percent of our population, but 100 percent of our future. We also know that
time in seats leads to academic success. We can hope that increased access to health care means healthier children, in their seats, ready to learn. There will be bumps and twists and turns along the way. Let’s stay focused on how the
Affordable Care Act (ACA) benefits children.
". . . time in seats
leads to academic success."
How does this law impact children? Some of the components of the ACA that impact children (and school nursing practice) include, but not limited to, coverage for children’s preventive health services:
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Depression screening for adolescents
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Behavioral assessments for children up to 17-years-old
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Blood pressure screening
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Vision screening for all children
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Fluoride Chemoprevention supplements for children without fluoride in their water source
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Immunization vaccines for children from birth to age 18
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Height, Weight and Body Mass Index measurements for children up to age 17
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Obesity screening
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Lead screening for children at risk
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Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) prevention counseling and screening for adolescents at risk
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Tuberculin testing for children at higher risk of tuberculosis up to 17- years- old
Through the ACA, there are many more preventive services available for children. Insurance companies are required to cover all people with pre-existing conditions when coverage begins, patients can access emergency care without prior authorization, parents insurance can cover young adults up to the age of 26 (I could have used that), and it puts an end to lifetime and yearly dollar limits, or caps, on coverage of essential health benefits.
Children make up 20 percent of our population, but 100 percent of our future.
The Affordable Care Act also includes benefits to nurses and nursing education, including expansion of nurse education and advance practice training and education.
The American Nurses Association provides
information and resources on the ACA's implications for nurses and
nursing.
The National Association of School Nurses (NASN)
supports quality affordable health care for all children and recognizes the importance of school nurses who work with the health care community to assist families in accessing appropriate health insurance and provide vital health services to all children.
The ACA is extraordinarily comprehensive. I encourage you to learn more!
Together in
School Nursing