When used in this article, the following terms shall have the following meanings, respectively, unless a different meaning clearly appears from the context:

(1) STATE BOARD OF HEALTH. The statutory agency of the State of Alabama operative in the field of general health matters and performing the duties and exercising the powers as set forth in the statutory provisions relating thereto.

(2) STATEWIDE HEALTH COORDINATING COUNCIL. The advisory council established pursuant to this article which shall advise the State Board of Health on matters relating to health planning and resource development.

(3) HEALTH SYSTEMS AGENCY. An entity which is organized and operated under the provisions of Title XV of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. §§ 3001 et seq.) and is responsible for the health planning and development in a health service area designated by the Governor.

(4) HEALTH SERVICE AREA. A geographical area designated by the Governor as being appropriate for effective planning and development of health services.

(5) STATE HEALTH PLAN. A comprehensive plan, prepared by the State Board of Health and approved or disapproved by the Statewide Health Coordinating Council and which shall include the health systems plans developed by the health systems agencies, for the development of health programs and resources to assure that quality health services will be available and accessible in a manner which assures continuity of care, at reasonable cost, for all residents of the state.

(6) MEDICAL FACILITIES PLAN. A plan, prepared by the State Board of Health with the advice and consultation of the Statewide Health Coordinating Council, which shall consider the medical facilities plans of the health systems agencies, and which shall establish an integrated and interrelated system of health care facilities which shall have as its objective the provision of readily accessible health care in all parts of the state.

(7) HEALTH CARE FACILITY. Such term shall include public health centers; rehabilitation centers; skilled nursing facilities; intermediate care facilities; general and specialized hospitals, including tuberculosis, psychiatric, long-term care and other types of hospitals, and related facilities such as laboratories, outpatient departments and clinics and central service facilities operated in connection with hospitals; organized ambulatory health care facilities, such as family planning clinics, facilities for surgical treatment of patients not requiring hospitalization and facilities located in or apart from a hospital for the diagnosis or treatment of disease, excluding the offices of private physicians; hemodialysis units; hospice services; and home health agencies operated in connection with a hospital. The term shall also include community mental health centers and related facilities, facilities for the developmentally disabled and facilities for the rehabilitation of alcoholics and drug abusers; provided, that these facilities may be included in one or more separate facility plans.

(8) INSTITUTIONAL HEALTH SERVICES. The health services provided through health care institutions. Such term includes the facilities through which such services are provided.