A process for plan development under P.L. 93-641

P.L. 93-641, the National Health Planning and Resources Development Act, specifies that health planning focus on health status as well as cost containment. It also specifies the integration of technical analysis with public involvement and political decision making. This paper suggests one planning process which can embody these difficult concepts. The process can be visualized as a series of four Decision Points at which the Governing Body of a Health Systems Agency takes action. Each Decision Point is supported by a staff Analysis which provides the decision makers with the best possible information about the area's health status and health system.