Part 1: Cost Control Policy

All health care organizations must be aware of cost controls, regardless of nonprofit or for-profit status. Managing costs at all levels of the organization affects the bottom line, which has a direct effect on all aspects of the organization. This assessment is designed to help you analyze why organizational policies are put in place.

Find a policy at a health care organization related to cost controls.

Summarize the details of the policy:

• When was the policy put in place?
• Was it adopted system-wide, in one department, or multiple departments?
• What does the policy address?
• What are potential ramifications of not following the policy at the organizational level? Unit level? Individual level?

Explain how the policy impacts fiscal aspects of the organization:

• How does the policy act as a cost control?

Describe how the policy impacts the quality of patient care:

• Does the policy improve efficiency?
• Are the goals to improve care and reduce cost?

Explore the unintended consequences:

•  What secondary effects does the policy have on the organization? Unit? Staff? Patient?
•  Does the policy need revision?

Suggest alternatives to the policy:

• In your opinion, is the policy the best way to address the issue? Support your position by explaining why or why not.

Cite at least 3 peer-reviewed sources published within the last 5 years in an APA-formatted reference page.

Format your assignment as one of the following: 

• 875-word paper

Cite at least 3 evidence-based, peer-reviewed sources published within the last 5 years to support your position(s). 

Include an APA-formatted reference list. 

Part 2: Health Care Reform Timeline

The health care reform political battle has been going on since the 1940s. This assessment is designed to help you understand the history of reform and analyze the ongoing political debate.

Create a timeline detailing at least five major events in health care reform:

• Include key dates, stakeholders, and outcomes of legislation.
• Include which political party proposed the reform. 

Analyze the politics of health and health care: 

• Explain the political climate surrounding the legislation in each major political reform era. 
• Compare and contrast the current political climate to that of the past.  
• Identify any recurring trends.  
• Explain your opinion about what makes health and health care so politically charged and polarizing. 

Format your timeline using Microsoft® Word, Microsoft ® PowerPoint ®, or any other software you are comfortable using. 

Format your assignment as one of the following: 

430-word paper

Cite at least 3 peer-reviewed sources published within the last 5 years. 

Include an APA-formatted reference list.

Note: There are many free and easy-to-use timeline creators on the Internet.