Federal: Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)
State: Dependent on state regulations
Acute care in the US government refers to the treatment of patients with severe or life-threatening medical conditions. This type of care is typically provided in a hospital setting, and may involve intensive medical interventions, such as surgery or mechanical ventilation. Acute care is regulated by both federal and state governments, with federal regulations set by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and other agencies (Meacham, 2020). State regulations may vary by state, but often cover areas such as staffing requirements, patient rights, and quality of care standards. Medicare provides coverage for many acute care services, including hospitalizations, physician visits, and diagnostic tests.
Assisted Living Facilities
National: National Center for Assisted Living
State: Dependent on state regulations
Assisted living facilities are a form of residential care facility that assists with daily living chores such as bathing, dressing, and medication administration while encouraging independence and autonomy. The National Center for Assisted Living, as well as state rules, oversee assisted living facilities in the United States (Derlet, 2021). These policies may differ from one state to the next and may address issues like as staffing requirements, resident rights, and health and safety standards. Meals, housekeeping, transportation, and social activities are common services and amenities provided by assisted living homes. Medicaid may pay part of the costs of assisted living facilities, but eligibility rules and coverage vary by state.
Critical Access Hospital
Federal: CMS
State: Dependent on state regulations
Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs) are a type of hospital in the United States that delivers important healthcare services to rural communities that are underserved. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) regulates CAHs and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) funds them (HRSA). The purpose of these hospitals is to offer basic healthcare services to those who would otherwise be unable to get them due to geographic, economic, or other limitations. CAHs usually provide a limited variety of services, such as emergency treatment, outpatient care, and short-term inpatient care (Milakovich & Gordon, 2022). Medicare covers services offered by CAHs such as doctor visits, diagnostic testing, and hospitalizations.
Dialysis Care
Federal: CMS
State: Dependent on state regulations
Dialysis care in the US is regulated by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) at the federal level. Dialysis is a treatment for individuals with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) who are unable to adequately filter waste and excess fluid from their blood (Rice et al., 2021). Dialysis care is typically provided in an outpatient setting, such as a dialysis center, and may be performed by a registered nurse or a trained technician. Medicare provides coverage for dialysis care services, including dialysis treatments, medications, and equipment necessary for the treatment of ESRD.
Home Health Care
Federal: CMS
State: Dependent on state regulations
Home health care in the United States is a heavily regulated sector, controlled at the federal level by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and with extra laws differing by state. This ensures uniform quality of care across the country while also allowing for flexibility to suit the particular demands of each state. Home health care services are offered in the individual’s home, allowing them to stay in familiar settings while receiving the medical care they require. These services are intended to assist persons manage medical illnesses and keep their independence by providing not just the essential medical care but also emotional support and companionship.
Nursing care, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and medical social services are all examples of home health care services. These services are tailored to the individual’s exact needs, ensuring that the appropriate care is provided at the appropriate time. Medicare covers home health care services in its entirety, including physician visits, skilled nursing care, therapy services, and medical equipment relevant to the medical condition. This coverage guarantees that people obtain the treatment they require without having to worry about the expense, enabling them to focus on their health and well-being.
Hospice Care
Federal: CMS
State: Dependent on state regulations
Hospice care is a type of end-of-life care that focuses on providing comfort and support to individuals who are terminally ill. Hospice care in the US is regulated by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) at the federal level, and regulations may also vary by state. Hospice care is typically provided in the individual’s home or in a specialized hospice facility, and the goal is to manage symptoms and provide emotional and spiritual support to both the individual and their family members (Derlet, 2021). Hospice care services may include pain management, emotional support, spiritual care, and bereavement counseling. Medicare provides coverage for hospice care services, including physician visits, nursing care, medical equipment, and medications related to the terminal illness.
Rural Health Clinic
Federal: CMS
State: Dependent on state regulations
Rural Health Clinics in the US government are a type of outpatient medical facility that is located in a rural, medically underserved area. These clinics are regulated by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and receive funding from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). The goal of these clinics is to provide primary care services to individuals who are unable to access care due to geographic, economic, or other barriers. The services provided by rural health clinics include preventive care, treatment for acute and chronic illnesses, and management of chronic conditions. Additionally, these clinics often provide access to dental and mental health services, as well as pharmacy services. Rural Health Clinics play an important role in improving the health outcomes of individuals living in rural areas of the United States.
Pediatric Care
Federal: CMS
State: Dependent on state regulations
There are several US government agencies that are involved in pediatric care, including the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). These agencies work to promote and protect public health through research, education, and access to healthcare services for children. Additionally, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is a membership association that focuses on promoting the health and well-being of infants, children, and adolescents in the United States. Medicare also provides coverage for pediatric care services, including physician visits, diagnostic tests, and hospitalizations.
Skilled Nursing Facility
Federal: CMS
State: Department of Social Services
Skilled nursing facilities in the US are regulated by both federal and state governments. While the federal government does set regulations and standards for skilled nursing facilities through agencies such as the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the states also have a hand in regulating these facilities. In fact, each state has the freedom to customize their regulations and standards to better reflect the specific needs of their population (Milakovich & Gordon, 2022). The American Association of Nurse Assessment Coordination is a national organization that provides resources and support for professionals working in skilled nursing facilities. As the aging population continues to grow in the US, the demand for skilled nursing facilities is expected to increase in tandem. Therefore, the role of organizations such as the American Association of Nurse Assessment Coordination in ensuring the quality of care provided in these facilities will become even more important in the years to come.
Veterans Health Administration
Federal: Department of Veterans Affairs
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA), established in 1930, is a government agency within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) that is responsible for providing healthcare services to eligible military veterans. The VHA operates a vast network of hospitals and clinics across the United States and offers a comprehensive range of healthcare services, including primary care, mental health care, and specialized care for conditions such as traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder. In addition to these services, the VHA also provides services for elderly veterans, including nursing home care and home-based primary care. Furthermore, the VHA has been a leader in healthcare innovation, with initiatives such as telehealth services and electronic health records that aim to improve the quality of care and access to care for veterans. Overall, the VHA plays a critical role in ensuring that over 9 million veterans enrolled in the VA system have access to the healthcare services they need and deserve.
References
Derlet, R. W. (2021). Corporatizing American health care: How we lost our health care system. Johns Hopkins University Press.
Meacham, M. R. (2020). Longest’s health policymaking in the United States. (7th ed.). Health Administration Press.
Milakovich, M. E., & Gordon, G. J. (2022). Public administration in America. Cengage Learning.
Rice, T., Rosenau, P., Unruh, L. Y., & Barnes, A. J. (2021). Health systems in transition: USA. (2nd ed.). University of Toronto Press.
Showalter, S. (2020). The law of healthcare administration. (9th ed.). Health Administration Press.