[The Italian NH Hospital System: efficiency and compliance at a regional level]

According to the newly established basic health parameters (Livelli Essenziali di Assistenza, LEA), the authors have assessed efficiency and compliance within the Italian NH hospital system. The first part is focused on the 1999 Demand and Supply, outlining differences between regions, whereas the second part investigates the compliance indicators over the years 1997-99. A general analysis of principal components was also carried out to get a final pattern of the outcomes. Although data only concern a short-term run, the study shows an increase in efficiency and appropriateness within hospital systems, despite existing differences between areas.