With the implementation of the Affordable Care Act, what can facilities expect in terms of additional staff, and how will this impact their strategic planning? The exact impact of the legislation on individual facility needs is still a bit murky at this point, given the complexity of the law and demographics. But one thing is for certain – the demand for healthcare services definitely will go up. This will mean an increase in healthcare jobs, and also may lead to new kinds of jobs.
Increased Job Opportunities?
The increase in new jobs may not be as sharp as some anticipate. The reason for this is that Medicare already covers almost everyone age 65 and over. The 32 million people who will get healthcare coverage for the first time under the law are younger, people who generally don’t require as many healthcare services.
Healthcare experts expect healthcare jobs to increase only about three percent, says healthcare analyst Charles Roehrig. Also, because younger people use more outpatient care, that area is expected to see the greatest increase in demand.
The ACA emphasizes primary care, and this will mean that more primary care physicians will be needed. It will take time to train these doctors, so as a result healthcare providers initially will rely more on nurse practitioners and physician assistants, Roehrig says. This will put these jobs in greater demand. There also will be a greater need for medical assistants. More states may even license nurse practitioners and physician assistants to practice on their own, without physician supervision.
The need for more advanced practice nurses may also cut into the number of registered nurses working, increasing the existing shortage, according to Peter Ferguson, another healthcare analyst.
Because of this, some healthcare providers are taking extra measures to enhance their recruitment of nurses and nursing students.
The need for pharmacists is also somewhat difficult to gauge under the ACA, because it is subject to several variables. While there has been a shortage of pharmacists, it is not nearly as great now as it has been. However, because the ACA will cover an additional 32 million people with health insurance, the demand for pharmacists is sure to jump. Experts believe the demand can be met because there are more than 100 schools of pharmacy in the country, more than enough to meet the need.
Increased Demand on Testing Facilities
Because the ACA also places an emphasis on primary care, it is likely to mean an increase in the number of lab tests and other prevention screenings. This will lead to a greater demand for diagnostic technicians who do the lab tests, along with other related health occupations. As of now, there is a significant shortage of lab technicians in many areas of the country. This shortage is likely to increase because enrollments in diagnostic technician programs have not changed much, according to Laurie Lorrin of the Rasmussen College School of Allied Health Professions.
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