HIMSS: Public Policy

Public policy in healthcare refers to laws, regulations, and other government actions that shape the healthcare system and impact the delivery of care to individuals.

Public policy in healthcare can address a range of issues, including access to care, cost of care, quality of care, and public health. For example, policy decisions can impact the availability of health insurance, the affordability of prescription drugs, the expansion of telemedicine services, and the allocation of resources for medical research.

Public policy in healthcare is developed and influenced by a variety of stakeholders, including healthcare providers, patients, payers, industry organizations, and advocacy groups. The policymaking process can be complex and contentious, as various interests compete for influence and resources.

Effective public policy in healthcare is important for ensuring that all individuals have access to high-quality, affordable healthcare services. However, policy decisions can also have unintended consequences, such as increased costs, reduced access to care, or decreased quality of care. It’s important to carefully consider the potential benefits and trade-offs of different policy options and to engage all stakeholders in the policymaking process.