The Affordable Care Act: Primary Care and the Doctor of Nursing Practice Nurse

Abstract

The passage of the 2010 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) initiated the transformation of the United States healthcare system. The ACA fosters a preventive healthcare model that emphasizes primary care, funds community health initiatives, and promotes quality care. These changes increase the need for well-prepared healthcare professionals. Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) who hold the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree are prepared to meet this increased need by providing leadership in community health centers, serving on interdisciplinary teams, and advocating for and directing future policy initiates. In this article, the authors consider how the ACA will serve as a prevention model, describe the role of DNP nurses as primary care providers, explain how preventive healthcare can be enhanced through the use of a primary care model, and address associated challenges related to increasing preventive care in our healthcare system. They also discuss DNP nurse leadership opportunities related to community-based programs and policy strategies to strengthen primary care delivery. The authors conclude by noting the professional and legal barriers that need to be removed before DNP nurses will be able to provide the care they have been prepared to offer.