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Health Systems Plans: A Poor Framework for Promoting Health Care Improvements

HRD-81-93 Published: Jun 22, 1981. Publicly Released: Jun 22, 1981.
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Highlights

The National Health Planning and Resources Development Act established health systems agencies (HSA) with responsibility for planning health services within a particular geographic area. The Act also established State health planning and development agencies and statewide health coordinating councils to deal with health care needs from the perspective of the entire State. The adequacy of health systems plans developed by HSA were reviewed and actions were recommended that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) should take to improve the plans.

Recommendations

Matter for Congressional Consideration

Matter Status Comments
Congress should amend the National Health Planning and Resources Development Act to allow the health planning organizations in States with statewide HSA's to jointly develop one health plan for the State.
Closed – Not Implemented
Because of budget reductions and program changes, there are no statewide health systems agencies operating. Therefore, the recommendation is no longer valid.

Recommendations for Executive Action

Agency Affected Recommendation Status
Department of Health and Human Services The Secretary of HHS should actively work with HSA's during the development of future health systems plans to ensure that future plans do not contain the deficiencies currently existing.
Closed – Implemented
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
Department of Health and Human Services The Secretary of HHS should require HSA's to actively pursue the implementation of health systems plans and annual implementation plans after plans are determined to be consistent with HHS guidance.
Closed – Implemented
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
Department of Health and Human Services The Secretary of HHS should require HSA's to revise inadequate plans so that such plans: (1) concentrate on a few significant objectives that can be achieved in a reasonable time frame; (2) specify a strategy for and organizations for accomplishing the objectives; and (3) identify the resources needed to carry out the objectives.
Closed – Implemented
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
Department of Health and Human Services The Secretary of HHS should issue regulations and guidelines concerning the implementation of the health planning program in statewide HSA's that would include requiring written agreements between the statewide HSA and the State agency which set forth their respective roles in carrying out the joint planning process.
Closed – Not Implemented
Statewide health systems agencies no longer exist, therefore, the recommendation is no longer valid.
Department of Health and Human Services The Secretary of HHS should assess the adequacy of the latest health systems plan at each HSA.
Closed – Implemented
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.

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Topics

Federal fundsstate relationsHealth care planningHealth care programsProgram evaluationProgram managementVeterans hospitalsHealth careHealth care servicesHealth