Eileen M. Sullivan-Marx

Faculty

Eileen M. Sullivan Marx headshot

Eileen M. Sullivan-Marx

FAAN PhD RN

Professor
Immediate Past Dean

1 212 998 5303

433 First Ave
New York, NY 10010
United States

Eileen M. Sullivan-Marx's additional information

Eileen Sullivan-Marx is immediate past dean of New York University Rory Meyers College of Nursing. She served as dean and Erline Perkins McGriff Professor from 2012-2023. She is past president of the American Academy of Nursing. Prior to NYU, Dr. Sullivan-Marx had a distinguished career at the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, where she was the associate dean for practice & community affairs, creating community partnerships for care of older adults and promotion of healthy activities entitled Healthy in Philadelphia. She is a distinguished nursing leader, educator, and clinician known for research and innovative approaches in primary care, testing methods of payment for nurses particularly with Medicaid and Medicare, sustaining models of care using advanced practice nurses locally and globally, and developing health policy in community-based settings. With a strong belief in the integration of practice, research, education, and interdisciplinary teamwork, Dr. Sullivan-Marx has built and sustained models of team care including a private family practice, growing a Program of All Inclusive Care for Elders (PACE) from 75 persons to 525 persons in five years that saved the state of Pennsylvania fifteen cents on the dollar in Medicaid funding and launched numerous older adult team programs in academic centers as well as the Veterans Administration. Dr. Sullivan-Marx has been on numerous community planning and advisory boards including the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia’s Patient and Safety Board from 2009-2012.

She was the first nurse to serve as the American Nurses Association representative to the American Medical Association’s Resource Based Relative Value Update Committee and did so for 11 years, demonstrating through research that nurse practitioner and physician work can be valued equally in that payment structure. Dr. Sullivan-Marx has been active in regional, state, and national policy. She has served as Chair of the Pennsylvania Commission on Senior Care Services in 2008, as a member of the Philadelphia Emergency Preparation Review Commission in 2006, and as an American Political Science Congressional Fellow and Senior Advisor to the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services Office of Medicaid and Medicare Coordination in 2010, just after passage of the Affordable Care Act. As part of this position, she worked to bring promising models of care to scale such as the PACE Programs. She is a former member of the American Academy of Nursing’s (AAN) Board of Directors and is currently an AAN Edge Runner. Dr. Sullivan-Marx is a Fellow in both the New York Academy of Medicine and the Gerontology Society of America.

Among the numerous awards that she has received are the international Sigma Theta Tau Honor Society Best of Image research award (1993) and its excellence in practice award (2011), the Springer Publishing Research Award, the Doris Schwartz Gerontological Nursing Research Award. She is a Distinguished Alumni of the University of Rochester School of Nursing.

Dean Sullivan-Marx began her nursing career in 1972 in Philadelphia, earned a BSN (1976) from the University of Pennsylvania, and an MS (1980) from the University of Rochester School of Nursing as a family health nurse practitioner. She received a PhD from the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing in 1995. Her nurse practitioner career was exemplified by forging and sustaining primary care practices which she successfully and uniquely integrated into her academic research and teaching career.

PhD, Gerontology - University of Pennsylvania, School of Nursing (1995)
MS, Family Health Nurse Clinician - University of Rochester School of Nursing (1980)
BSN - University of Pennsylvania (1976)
Nursing Diploma - Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, School of Nursing (1972)

Gerontology
Health Policy
Global
Home care

American Nurses Association
American Nurses Association, Council for the Advancement of Nursing Science, ANA-New York
Eastern Nursing Research Society
Gerontological Society of America
Fellow, Institute on Aging, University of Pennsylvania
Senior Fellow, Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics University of Pennsylvania
Sigma Theta Tau, Xi Upsilon Chapter

Faculty Honors Awards

American Academy of Nursing President's Award (2023)
Arnold P. Gold Foundation Humanism in Medicine Award (2023)
United Hospital Fund Special Tribute (2019)
Top 50 Health Care Leaders, Irish America Magazine (2019)
American Academy of Nursing President's Award (2016)
VillageCare Distinguished Service Award (2016)
Herman Briggs Society, NY (2013)
Fellow, Gerontological Society of America (2013)
Doris Schwartz Gerontological Nursing Research Award, Gerontological Society of America (2013)
Fellow, New York Academy of Medicine (2012)
American Academy of Nursing Edge Runner Designation (2012)
Research Associate, Penn Institute for Urban Research University of Pennsylvania (2012)
Dean’s Professional Practice Award, University of Pennsylvania, School of Nursing (2011)
Board Member, American Academy of Nursing (2011)
Distinguished Alumni Award, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, School of Nursing (2011)
Health and Aging Fellowship, American Political Science Association (2011)
Marie Hippensteel Lingeman Award for Excellence in Nursing Practice, Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society (2011)
American Academy of Nursing Edge Runner Designation (2011)
Health and Aging Fellowship, American Political Science Association (2010)
Legislative Award, Pennsylvania State Nurses Association Advocacy (2010)
American Academy of Nursing Edge Runner Designation (2010)
American Academy of Nursing Edge Runner Designation (2009)
Faculty Fellow, Penn Institute for Urban Research (2009)
Eastern Nursing Research Society, The John A. Hartford Foundation Geriatric Research Award (2008)
American Academy of Nursing Edge Runner Designation (2008)
American Academy of Nursing Edge Runner Designation (2007)
American Academy of Nursing Edge Runner Designation (2006)
Society of Primary Care Policy Fellows (2004)
Department of Health & Human Services Primary Care Health Policy Fellowship (2004)
Undergraduate Student Advising Award, University of Pennsylvania, School of Nursing (2002)
Distinguished Alumni Award, University of Rochester, School of Nursing (2001)
Society for Advancement of Nursing Science (2000)
Springer Publishing Company Research Award for most outstanding project, “Relative Work Values of Nurse Practitioner Services,” American Nurses Association Council for Nursing Research 1998 Research Utilization Conference (1998)
Ethel F. Lord Fellowship, Soroptomist Organization scholarship for graduate study in field of gerontology (1993)
Sigma Theta Tau International Best of Image Award for scholarly excellence in research, "Functional Status Outcomes of a Nursing Intervention in Hospitalized Elderly" (1993)
Nursing Practice Award, Pennsylvania Nurses' Association (1986)
Louise Wilson Haller Memorial Prize for Excellence in Professional Nursing, University of Rochester, School of Nursing (1980)
fellow, American Academy of Nursing

Publications

Comparison of nurse practitioner and family physician relative work values

Sullivan-Marx, E. M., & Maislin, G. (2000). Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 32(1), 71-76. 10.1111/j.1547-5069.2000.00071.x
Abstract
Abstract
Purpose: With the enactment of the Balanced Budget Act of 1997, American nurse practitioners were granted direct Medicare reimbursement for Part B services. Payment structures in fee-for-service and managed care systems are physician-based, leading to difficulties in constructing payments for other health care professionals. The purpose of this pilot study was to examine the feasibility of using nurse practitioner data for specifying relative work values in the Medicare Fee Schedule for three office-visit codes. Design: An exploratory survey was designed to establish relative work values using magnitude-estimation scaling. Nurse practitioners (N=43) responded to a structured questionnaire in a national mail survey. Physician data (N=46) were obtained from a computerized database from the American Academy of Family Physicians. Methods: The methods used in this study were the same as the process used by the American Medical Association and the Health Care Financing Administration to establish relative work values in the Medicare Fee Schedule. Respondents established relative work values for three Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes for office visits (99203, 99213, 99215) commonly billed in primary care practice. Each CPT code descriptor and associated vignette were compared with reference services germane to the practice of nurse practitioners and family physicians, using magnitude-estimation scaling. To establish relative work values for each code, respondents were asked to consider the time to provide the service and intensity of the work involved for each CPT code. Findings: No significant differences between nurse practitioners and family physicians were found in the three CPT codes for relative work values and intensity. Nurse practitioners estimated significantly (p < .01) higher intraservice (face to face) time with patients than did family physicians, and family physicians estimated significantly (p < .05) higher pre-service time for two codes and significantly (p < .05) higher postservice times for three codes. Conclusions: Nurse practitioner relative work values did not differ significantly from family physician relative work values. Although the sample sizes were small, the significance of the findings support the need for further research with large data sets and additional CPT codes. Such studies could then be used as a basis for decisions about Medicare payment and public policy.

Nurse practitioner services: Content and relative work value

Sullivan-Marx, E. M., Happ, M. B., Bradley, K. J., & Maislin, G. (2000). Nursing Outlook, 48(6), 269-275. 10.1067/mno.2000.109062
Abstract
Abstract
The resource-based relative value scale is used to quantify work for reimbursement of services in the Medicare Fee Schedule. This pilot study explored use of the resource-based relative value scale for services provided by nurse practitioners. Estimation of relative work values for office visits by nurse practitioners was consistent with the Medicare Fee Schedule. Content analysis revealed that nurse practitioners provide additional services including comprehensive patient evaluation and education and attendance to social factors. Future research is needed to examine systems that identify and reimburse nurse practitioners for their services.

Reimbursement for acute care nurse practitioner services

Richmond, T. S., Thompson, H. J., & Sullivan-Marx, E. M. (2000). American Journal of Critical Care, 9(1), 52-61. 10.4037/ajcc2000.9.1.52
Abstract
Abstract
Until the passage of the Balanced Budget Act of 1997, acute care nurse practitioners could not be directly reimbursed for inpatient services provided to Medicare patients. With the enactment of this legislation, acute care nurse practitioners may now be directly compensated for care provided. The historical and contextual issues that surround reimbursement for nursing and advanced practice nursing services are reviewed to serve as a foundation for understanding the current Medicare reimbursement regulations. The implications of the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 for acute care nurse practitioners and their professional colleagues are critically examined. The language of the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 and the subsequent rules and regulations issued by the Health Care Financing Administration are reviewed with specific focus on implications for acute care nurse practitioners. The opportunities for reimbursement for services provided by acute care nurse practitioners are more extensive than ever before. Acute care nurse practitioners and their physician colleagues will be wise to become fully conversant with the changes in Medicare reimbursement regulations.

Initiation of physical restraint in nursing home residents following restraint reduction efforts

Sullivan-Marx, E. M., Strumpf, N. E., Evans, L. K., Baumgarten, M., & Maislin, G. (1999). Research in Nursing and Health, 22(5), 369-379. 10.1002/(SICI)1098-240X(199910)22:5<369::AID-NUR3>3.0.CO;2-G
Abstract
Abstract
In this pilot study a one group pretest posttest design was employed to identify resident characteristics and environmental factors associated with initiation of physical restraint. Predictors of restraint initiation for older adults were examined using secondary analysis of an existing data set of nursing home residents who were subjected to a federal mandate and significant restraint reduction efforts. Lower cognitive status (OR = 1.5 [for every 7-point decrease in Mini-Mental State Examination], 95% Cl = 1.0, 2.1) and a higher ratio of licensed nursing personnel (OR = 3.7, 95% Cl = 1.2, 11.9) were predictive of restraint initiation. Key findings suggest that restraint initiation occurs, despite significant restraint reduction efforts, when a nursing home resident is cognitively impaired or when more licensed nursing personnel (predominantly licensed practical nurses) are available for resident care. Achievement of restraint-free care in nursing homes requires specific and individualized approaches for residents who are cognitively impaired, as well as greater attention to staff mix of registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and nursing aides.

Predictors of continued physical restraint use in nursing home residents following restraint reduction efforts

Sullivan-Marx, E. M., Strumpf, N. E., Evans, L. K., Baumgarten, M., & Maislin, G. (1999). Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 47(3), 342-348. 10.1111/j.1532-5415.1999.tb02999.x
Abstract
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To examine predictors of continued restraint use in nursing home residents following efforts aimed at restraint reduction. DESIGN: Secondary analysis of data from a clinical trial using a one-group, pre-test post-test design. SETTING: Three nonprofit, religion-affiliated nursing homes in a metropolitan area. PARTICIPANTS: The sample consisted of 201 physically restrained nursing home residents. Following restraint reduction efforts, 135 of the sample were still restrained. Mean age of participants was 83.9 years. MEASUREMENTS: Physical restraint use was measured by observation and included any chest/vest, wrist, mitt, belt, crotch, suit, or harness restraint plus any sheet used as restraint or a geriatric chair with fixed tray table. Nursing home residents were subjected to any one of three conditions aimed at restraint reduction, including adherence to the mandate of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987 (OBRA '87), staff education, and education with consultation from a gerontological clinical nurse specialist. Resident characteristics including dependency, health status, mental status, depression, behavior, fall risk; presence of treatment devices and institutional factors were determined. RESULTS: Physical dependency, lower cognitive status, behavior, presence of treatment devices, presence of psychiatric disorders, fall risk, and fall risk as staff rationale for restraint were associated (P <. 10) with continued restraint use. Nursing hours, staff mix, prevalence of restraint use by unit, and site were also associated (P < .10) with continued use of physical restraints. Following bivariate analysis, associated resident characteristics were subjected to logistic regression. Lower cognitive status (OR = 2.4 (for every 7-point decrease in MMSE), 95% CI, 1.7, 3.3) and fall risk as staff rationale for restraint (OR = 3.5, 95% CI., 1.5, 8.0) were predictive of continued restraint use. Adding nursing hours, staff mix, and prevalence of restraint use by unit to the logistic regression model was not statistically significant (partial chi-square = 2.79, df = 6, P = .834). Nursing home site was added to the model without changing the significance (P < .05) of cognitive status or fall risk as a staff rationale for restraint use. CONCLUSION: Continued restraint use in nursing home residents in this study most often occurred with severe cognitive impairment and/or when fall risk was considered by staff as a rationale for restraint. Efforts to reduce or eliminate physical restraint use with these groups will require greater efforts to educate staff in the assessment and analysis of fall risk, along with targeted interventions, particularly when cognition is also impaired.

Medicare reimbursement for advanced practice nurses: in the front door!

Sullivan-Marx, E. M. (1998). Nursing Outlook, 46(1), 40-41. 10.1016/S0029-6554(98)90026-4

Advanced practice nurses and success of organized delivery systems

Lang, N. M., Sullivan-Marx, E. M., & Jenkins, M. (1996). American Journal of Managed Care, 2(2), 129-135.
Abstract
Abstract
Advanced practice nurses have contributed significantly to the nation's healthcare for decades by providing primary care and specialty services. Despite financial and regulatory barriers, opportunities for advanced practice nurses continue to flourish, due, in part, to the unique contributions that these nurses can make in the areas of healthcare access, quality, and cost-effectiveness. This article analyzes the role and scope of advanced practice nurses in relation to organized delivery systems. The success of these systems depends on health-needs assessment and capitated-based risk for defined populations, as well as on the development of innovative governance and health delivery models. Advanced practice nurses can contribute to each of these success factors by providing access to primary care services and specialized care to high-risk populations. To achieve success, organized delivery systems must include advanced practice nurses as providers and partners in governance structures.

Restraint-free care for acutely ill patients in the hospital.

Sullivan-Marx, E. M., & Strumpf, N. E. (1996). AACN Clinical Issues, 7(4), 572-578. 10.1097/00044067-199611000-00012
Abstract
Abstract
A growing body of empirical evidence documenting the negative effects and the limited effectiveness of physical restraints continues to shape policy and professional standards. In addition to occurrences of serious harm from restraint devices, ethical concerns about care with dignity have supported reevaluation of restraints in all settings for all patients. Lessons from considerable research conducted in nursing homes and clinical experience with restraint reduction in long-term care facilities are applicable to acute care settings, where restraint-free care can and should be embraced.

Restraint-free care: how does a nurse decide?

Sullivan-Marx, E. M. (1996). Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 22(9), 7-14. 10.3928/0098-9134-19960901-07
Abstract
Abstract
Decisions by nurses to avoid physical restraint use in older adults is a complex process that requires individualized, comprehensive assessment and creative problem-solving. Institutional and social policy increasingly support a standard of restraint elimination influencing care decisions with frail older adults. It has become clear that the decision to avoid or use physical restraint is influenced as well by nurses' attitude or beliefs about the efficacy of restraint. To further understand how decisions are made to avoid physical restraint, it is important to also explore the degree to which nurses possess knowledge, autonomy, and accountability in this decision-making process. Understanding how decisions are influenced will advance the development of restraint-free care interventions for older adults.

Psychological responses to physical restraint use in older adults.

Sullivan-Marx, E. M. (1995). Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 33(6), 20-25.
Abstract
Abstract
A view of physical restraint in older adults as ineffective, harmful, and assaultive to the dignity of the individual rather than routine and efficacious, created a paradigm shift among consumers and professionals. Studies exploring the response to restraint and interventions to help a restrained individual resolve the trauma, the assault on their personal integrity, and the loss of control, are needed. Recognition that physical restraint can be traumatic for individuals warrants an assessment of psychological responses of restrained older adults by health professionals and supports the goal of restraint reduction or elimination