The survey of agencies providing home care conducted on January 1, 1966 by the Division of Nursing showed that almost 70 percent of the population of the United States and essentially all of the population in the territories lived in areas where some type of organized home care nursing services was available. Since 1959, the number of large cities with services had doubled and, since 1963, there had been a rapid increase in the new services in smaller communities. Services were available to 15 percent more population than in 1963 with the greatest increase in the Middle and South Atlantic States. Visiting nurse associations and local official health agencies provided over 90 percent of the services, although only 27 percent of the total of the health agencies furnished home care. Over half of the agencies employed less than five nurses but small agencies were merging. Home health aids were being utilized and the number of physical therapists had doubled since 1963 while nutrition and social services had also increased. In spite of the gains, 55 million people in the United States, primarily in small towns and rural areas, were without provision for home nursing care. The need for an intensive study of home care needs, staff requirements, and related factors was indicated as was the exploration of new patterns of organizing and delivering services. Data relating to cost and payment for services are provided. (JK)