U.S. Health Policy Groups: Institutional Profiles

by Craig Ramsay

Overview

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 services and products—employers, insurance companies, those in the health industry itself, labor unions, consumer advocates, public policy and medical research organizations, among others. Each profile gives data about the origin and development of the group, its organization and funding, policy concerns and tactics, electoral activity, and sources for further research. This one-volume reference details group positions on all types of federal health policies, national health care reform proposals, and exemplifies the roles that the organizations have played in historical and contemporary reform efforts. 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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780313286186
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	02/22/1995
Series:	Greenwood Reference Volumes on American Public Policy Formation
Pages:	488
Product dimensions:	6.14(w) x 9.21(h) x 1.06(d)
Lexile:	1500L (what's this?)

About the Author

CRAIG RAMSAY, Professor of Politics and Government at Ohio Wesleyan University, has authored jourbanal articles and essays on a variety of political and policy topics. He is currently engaged in a research project that focuses on understanding the similarities and differences in the historical development of the politics of public health insurance in the United States and Canada.

Table of Contents

Preface
Introduction: U.S. Health Policy Groups
Chronology of Major Federal Health and Health-Related Legislation
U.S. Health Policy Groups
Appendix A: Questionnaire for Health Policy Groups
Appendix B: Directory of Organizations
Index

Editorial Reviews

Reviewer: Phillip M. Forman, MD (University of Illinois at Chicago)
Description: This is purely a reference directory profiling the origin, structure, and mission of selected organizations in the U.S. that include health policy as their principal, or significant, activity.
Purpose: The purpose is to provide a convenient source of information about groups that "significantly" influence U.S. health policy decision making. This objective may be of limited value to those deeply involved in and conversant with health policy, and of limited interest to those who are not. The editor elected to ignore completely the various, prominent health policy research groups based in major U.S. universities. While some private groups (think tanks and foundations) that do some "objective" health policy research are included, the preponderance of the directory profiles advocacy and special interest groups.
Audience: Apparently the volume is intended for relevant libraries and other reference settings. In my opinion, its cost will deter most others from an interest in it.
Features: There are no distinctive features worth noting. Some may find the well-done introduction to be the most useful element of the book.
Assessment: This is a directory of limited audience and usefulness.

Doody's Review Service

2 Stars from Doody

This is purely a reference directory profiling the origin, structure, and mission of selected organizations in the U.S. that include health policy as their principal, or significant, activity. The purpose is to provide a convenient source of information about groups that "significantly" influence U.S. health policy decision making. This objective may be of limited value to those deeply involved in and conversant with health policy, and of limited interest to those who are not. The editor elected to ignore completely the various, prominent health policy research groups based in major U.S. universities. While some private groups (think tanks and foundations) that do some ^^objective^^ health policy research are included, the preponderance of the directory profiles advocacy and special interest groups. Apparently the volume is intended for relevant libraries and other reference settings. In my opinion, its cost will deter most others from an interest in it. There are no distinctive features worth noting. Some may find the well-done introduction to be the most useful element of the book. This is a directory of limited audience and usefulness.

Phillip M. Forman

A reference based on original research which offers 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. The introduction provides a historical context for current action and an analysis of the various types of groups concerned with health. The alphabetical entries offer current information about the origin and development of each group, its organization and funding, policy concerns and tactics, electoral activity, and sources for further research. Appendices provide additional related information. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

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