The state plan shall set forth the relative need for the several projects included in the construction program, determined on the basis of the relative need of different sections of the population and of different areas lacking adequate hospital facilities, giving special consideration to areas with relatively small financial resources, and in accordance with the regulations of the Surgeon General prescribed pursuant to the federal act, and shall provide for their construction in the order of relative need so determined, insofar as financial resources available therefor and for maintenance and operations make it possible. In enacting this section it is the intent of the Legislature to encourage the design of projects and the development of programs that undertake responsibility to provide in an efficient manner comprehensive health care, including outpatient and preventive care, as well as hospitalization, to a defined population or populations.
For purposes of this section, the criterion of efficiency referred to herein shall include, but not be limited to, a consideration of the utilization of health facilities and services, including policies, mechanisms, and procedures to prevent excessive utilization.
(Added by Stats. 1995, Ch. 415, Sec. 9. Effective January 1, 1996.)