title: Local vs. regional planning: a delicate balance.
abstract: Planning at the institutional level is crucial if hospitals are to influence the initiatives of government regional regulatory agencies. Given the current intensive regulatory environment, the absence of an effective planning process could pose a threat to the very survival of some health care institutions. But most importantly, planning is necessary for every hospital, large or small, because it is the principal management tool that helps hospitals define and meet community needs. The author offers some fundamental principles and practical advice for the development of new directions in hospital planning.
mesh_terms: D005161:Facility Regulation and Control; D006307:Health Systems Agencies; D006739:Hospital Administration; D006752:Hospital Planning; D014481:United States