http://www.loc.gov/mods/v3 http://www.loc.gov/standards/mods/v3/mods-3-2.xsd
role of sub-state regional planning agencies in the comprehensive health planning process for rural areas of Texas
This research project was undertaken because of questions that have risen from the literature and other sources concerning the role of sub-state regional planning agencies in the comprehensive health planning process for rural areas in Texas. Few empirical studies have been conducted on agency effectiveness; no empirical studies specifically measured organizational effectiveness in comprehensive health planning in Texas. Agency effectiveness measures used in this research were developed from the work of Kane (1973) and Sparling (1975). Twenty-four (24) sub-state regional planning agencies were included in the study; five (5) agencies were designated as 3l4(b) health planning agencies. In studying the legislative history of Public Law 89-749, the Comprehensive Health Planning Public Health Service Amendments of 1966, two district court cases presenting the evolution of comprehensive health planning were examined. Further, the history of comprehensive health planning concepts was presented, beginning with the 1700s. The actual role of health planning agencies in Texas was studied in light of the potential roles developed by Blum (1974). Effectiveness of areawide health planning agencies was examined using Sparling's (1975) effectiveness measures. The extent of rural interest involvement in the health planning process was examined. Administration of a questionnaire to the twenty-four (24) health planning agencies and longitudinal data were used to determine the roles of health planning agencies in Texas from the perspective of the staff who were involved in the study. The results of the research may be summarized: The roles assumed by comprehensive health planning agencies were those determined by P.L. 89-749. Seventeen (17) structural measurements can be used to determine areawide health planning effectiveness. Rural interests were represented in the comprehensive health planning process. Areawide health planning agency involvement was most effective at the local level. There were no significant differences in the response of executive directors and professional staff used to determine effectiveness. There were no significant differences in the response of executive directors and professional staff used to determine agency effectiveness.
"Major subject: Urban and Regional Science."