On one side there will be the continued implementation of the Affordable Care Act that has been largely affirmed through the recent Supreme Court ruling. One of the major pieces of that puzzle is the establishment of health insurance exchanges on a state by state basis. Although compliance with this mandate has been very political in nature, an Obama victory would probably eliminate any lack of conformity.
On the other side, a newly elected Romney has declared war on the Affordable care act, vowing to repeal the law in it’s entirety. Although there is a significant constituency that would like to see that happen, it would require both houses of Congress, or specific funding cuts to actually kill the legislation.
In the healthcare staffing world, it’s all about demand. Demand for healthcare professionals in a multitude of settings. Demand for these professionals is intrinsically linked to patients, and currently the US is facing a demographic change that will push the limits of healthcare services for at least the next decade. Acuity of illness becomes linear with aging, and the outlook in the U.S. is a greater population of acutely ill patients.
So, regardless the outcome of November’s elections, be prepared for an increasing demand for staffing services to meet the inevitable demand.