Based on a view of health care intertwining medicine intimately with other components of institutional care, the monograph presents a system of concepts and operating techniques for providing comprehensive health care to institutionalized retardates. Background of the system is explained in terms of its research basis (two studies by the author of health care in institutions for the retarded) and basic principles underlying health care and habilitation programs. Then a set of document forms and procedures are presented to enable the institutional primary-care physicians and other involved professionals plan and carry out complete health and habilitative care for residents. Dealt with are collection of relevant information, and evaluation of the resident's clinical status, and the multidisciplinary resident-care-planning conference, which uses data on health status in preparing a personalized schedule of health and habilitation services to each resident. The discussion of administrative problems of putting the written plan into execution covers a data system to help monitor and supervise implementation of care plans, development of needed services, and the concept of the Service Coordinator responsible for logistic management and coordination of comprehensive service. (KW)