A clinic in a rural area depends primarily on the services of a nurse

A clinic in a rural area depends primarily on the services of a nurse practitioner. The legislation that allows this opportunity is which of the following?

1. Medicare
2. Medicaid
3. Rural Health Clinics Act
4. National Health Planning and Resources Development Act

ANSWER

Correct Answer: 3
Rationale 1: Medicare provides insurance coverage for people over age 65. This is not the legislation described in the stem.
Rationale 2: Medicaid provides service to people who require financial assistance for health care. This is not the legislation described in the stem.
Rationale 3: In 1978, the Rural Health Clinics Act provided for the development of health care in medically underserved rural areas. This act opened the door for nurse practitioners to provide primary care.
Rationale 4: The National Health Planning and Resources Development Act established health systems agencies throughout the United States for the development of health care in medically underserved rural areas. This is not the legislation described in the stem.