HCA 255 Discussion Question with Answers Week 1 to 7

HCA 255 TOPIC 1 DQ 1 (Two Responses)

The executive branch of the federal and state governments enforces health policies based upon the priorities that they give for scarce resources or funds. Explain why a specific priority may be given to fighting a local disease in your home state by the current government and what agencies may be tasked to head this effort.

HCA 255 TOPIC 1 DQ 2

Health laws are passed by the legislative branch of federal and state governments. These laws often rely upon allocating funds to the executive branch to enforce them.  Please provide an example of a historic law that was passed at the federal or state level that is not currently funded for enforcement.

HCA 255 TOPIC 2 DQ 1 (Two Responses)

Executive branch policies may differ from the needs of public health policy.  Almost 5% of the world’s population died of the Spanish flu during World War I, possibly because the spread of the disease was not shared because it was thought that the public may not support the war effort.  Provide another example of a time in U.S. history when an executive policy contradicted a health policy.

HCA 255 TOPIC 2 DQ 2

From information you have read or researched, explain why the Food and Drug Administration relies upon testing before clearing certain pharmaceuticals or medical devices for consumption or use.

HCA 255 TOPIC 3 DQ 1 (Two Responses)

After watching "Legislative Process: How a Bill Becomes a Federal Law," summarize the legislative process, and describe the relationship between cost and quality stakeholder involvement in the legal process.

HCA 255 TOPIC 3 DQ 2

After watching "One School's Fight: The Making of a Law," describe the economic evaluation used to solve the school's funding problems. How might this process be applied to solve a problem in health care?

HCA 255 TOPIC 4 DQ 1 (Three Responses)

Compliance with health care policies protects patients, staff, and the public. Provide one example of a health policy that protects patients as well as other stakeholders, and identify the agency that enforces the policy.  Is enforcement fully funded? Why or why not?

HCA 255 TOPIC 4 DQ 2

Currently, states regulate the licensing requirements of health care practitioners. If this duty were handled at the federal level in an effort to save money by having one licensing board instead of a board in every state, what would the advantage and a disadvantage be in this policy or law change?

HCA 255 Topic 5 Discussion 1

Consider health care coverage that other countries provide to their citizens and how much access is provided to their citizens. If these programs of coverage work so well in providing access of care, why do these countries often have additional pay-for-service or private insurance options offered?

HCA 255 Topic 5 Discussion 2

Many U.S. health care reforms focus on insurance coverage instead of the cost of providing health care. Provide a local or state solution (e.g., efficiency, public health programs, grant options) that addresses health care cost containment without modifying existing insurance programs.

HCA 255 Topic 6 DQ 1

Many communist or socialist countries have a department that addresses public health as well as the health care of their citizens. Research one of these programs and compare it to programs in countries that do not follow communism or socialism. Discuss the upsides and downsides to each program. 

HCA 255 Topic 6 DQ 2

Certain countries may not have the funds or resources to implement certain technological advances. What is another solution for citizens of these countries to benefit from advances made in recent years?

HCA 255 Topic 7 DQ 1

The advances made in health care have been exponentially increasing over the past hundred years; however, the availability of some of these advances has been blunted by lengthy approval processes, excessive costs, limited access, or regulatory requirements.  Should these factors be modified? If so, how?

HCA 255 Topic 7 DQ 2

Consider a future health care need, such as medical issues from lack of gravity or deep-sea pressures. Are the current health care policies and laws able to provide access at a competitive cost and high quality? Provide an example in support of your answer.