U.S. Health Policy Groups: Institutional Profiles

This first-of-its kind encyclopedia based on original research offers in-depth profiles showing how a broad spectrum of 121 important nongovernmental organizations in the health field work to affect the development of federal legislation and policy. A brief introduction provides a historical context for current action and an analysis of the various types of groups concerned with health. Arranged A to Z, the entries give the latest information about organizations that provide, consume, finance, and research health care services; the origin and development of each group, its organization and funding, policy concerns and tactics, electoral activity, and sources for further research. A chronology points to major federal health and health-related legislation and appendices include the questionnaire that was sent to the groups and a directory of the organizations profiled and of additional organizations that are active in health care. An index also makes the volume user-friendly for students, teachers, policymakers, activists, and all concerned with health care issues today.