1. (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. (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. (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. (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. (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.

Author: Statewide Health Coordinating Council (SHCC)

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

Editor’s Note: Rule .03 was renumbered .04 per certification published March 31, 2020; effective May 15, 2020.

History: Effective June 16, 1989. Amended: Filed June 19, 1996; effective July 25, 1996. Repealed and New Rule: Filed October 18, 2004; effective November 22, 2004. Amended (SHP Year Only): Filed December 2, 2014; effective January 6, 2015. Repealed and New Rule: Published March 31, 2020; effective May 15, 2020. Repealed and New Rule: Published April 30, 2024; effective June 14, 2024.