Ala. Admin. Code r. 410-2-1-.04 - Alabama Health Policy Analysis

(1) Policy is defined as a definite course or method of action selected from among alternatives and in light of given conditions to guide and determine present and future decisions. Policy may be expressed in writing or it may be implied by actions and commitments. Action policy may imply, in fact, that no policy is desired, thereby leaving the decision makers free to meet any given condition with actions that may or may not be considered as precedent setting.

(2) Basic to analyzing Alabama State Health Policy is the determination of who sets the policies and how or to what degree these policies interface to meet a general overall health policy.

(3) Health policy in Alabama finds its basis in State statutes as determined by the Legislature, State budgets, decisions and expectations of the Governor, expressions of the Statewide Health Coordinating Council in the State Health Plan, and regulatory decisions made by the State Certificate of Need Review Board.

(4) The Governor, through the cabinet and legislative programs, expresses a general health policy for maximizing a high rate of wellness for all citizens. The Governor's actions indicate a special concern for child health, infant mortality, prevention, the socio/medical problems of teenage pregnancy, the availability and accessibility of health care in the rural areas, the special health problems of the elderly, mentally ill, and disabled, and treatment of opioid addictions. The Governor's concerns are manifested in budget requests and funding in these areas through the various state agencies, such as the State Health Planning and Development Agency, the Alabama Medicaid Agency, the Alabama Department of Mental Health, the Alabama Department of Public Health, and the Alabama Department of Human Resources.

(5) The Governor's concern for overall health planning and development is highlighted by the appointment of providers and consumers to function in the planning and regulatory areas.

Notes

Ala. Admin. Code r. 410-2-1-.04

Amended by Alabama Administrative Monthly Volume XXXIII, Issue No. 03, December 31, 2014, eff. 1/6/2015. Amended by Alabama Administrative Monthly Volume XXXVIII, Issue No. 06, March 31, 2020, eff. 5/15/2020. Adopted by Alabama Administrative Monthly Volume XLII, Issue No. 07, April 30, 2024, eff. 6/14/2024.

Rule .03 was renumbered .04 per certification published March 31, 2020; effective May 15, 2020.

Author: Statewide Health Coordinating Council (SHCC)

Statutory Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, § 22-21-260(4).