This hearing inquired into questions on the quality of care and the utilization of services in the child health area. Questions covered included: How does the government assist in preventive medicine programs? What are the gaps in current health care and delivery systems? How can current legislation in this field be better implemented? The early periodic screening, diagnosis, and treatment program (EDSDT) is essential to good health care for children. Low-income children need this service, and good community health centers are needed to implement this preventive health program. The Department of Health, Education and Welfare (HEW) is responsible for overseeing state operations and enforcement of this program. Testimony indicates the job is not being done well. There is inadequate funding through medicaid; there is a lack of rapport and communication between HEW and state officials; and eligibility of children for the program is hard to determine. There are wide gaps in execution of the program as intended by congress, and there is a lack of proper administration by HEW. The Committee requests a report from HEW on steps they will take to bring the program into conformity with the statutes of the U.S. Government. (JD)