Which of the following does functional ability assess?

Rationale:

A. Training in community health, public health, and geriatrics: While important for addressing workforce challenges, this option focuses on specific areas of training rather than broader workforce strategies.

B. Unify licensing and scope of practice across states: This proposal aims to address regulatory barriers but may not directly address workforce challenges as comprehensively as other options.

C. Nurses should practice to the full extent of their training and education: This proposal focuses on maximizing the role of nurses, which is important but may not address all aspects of future workforce challenges.

D. Flexibility, cross-training, and skills in nonclinical areas (such as supervision): This proposal emphasizes adaptability and diversification of skills, which can help address workforce

challenges by enabling healthcare professionals to fill multiple roles and adapt to changing healthcare needs.

Rationale:

A. Research became an important adjunct to medical care: While research related to COVID-19 became a priority during the pandemic, it is not a direct effect on hospitals as described in the options.

B. Surgeries were cancelled to accommodate COVID patients: Many hospitals experienced cancellations of elective surgeries and procedures to prioritize resources for COVID-19 patients, conserve personal protective equipment (PPE), and maintain capacity for potential surges in COVID-19 cases.

C. Many hospitals established university affiliations: While some hospitals may have established or strengthened affiliations with universities for various reasons, this is not a direct effect of COVID-19.

D. Surgeries were at an all-time high during the Covid-19 surge: This statement is inaccurate; surgeries were generally reduced or postponed during the COVID-19 surge to focus on essential and emergent medical needs.