Análise das condições para a criação de uma rede entre órgãos públicos para regulação do setor de saúde suplementar.

Network structures within the public sector have an expansion at present, producing a new administrative reality. In the context of the Brazilian public sector, it is still a relatively unexplored subject. The public institution responsible for proceed health regulation in Brazil is the National Agency of Supplemental Health (ANS). Other government agencies that interact in this process include the Orientation Program and Consumer Protection (OPCP), Public Ministry, Public Defender's Office and the Judiciary. However, the activities of these agencies are not integrated. The aim of this study is to analyze the conditions for the creation of a network between public agencies that participate in the regulatory process of supplemental health in Rio Grande do Sul. For this, a qualitative, exploratory research was conducted, adopting a case study strategy. Data were collected through interviews with managers of public agencies involved in the regulation of the supplemental health. The analysis was based on nine categories proposed as necessary conditions for the creation of the network - receptivity, stimulation, trust, cooperation, political support, operational technical support, articulated organization, coordination instruments, and constant and lasting interaction. The survey results show that respondents envisage effective possibilities of earnings from network operations, including greater effectiveness of the supplemental health regulation. However, they do not have much distinctness about the aspects that involve working in networks, which requires better understanding of the subject. Therefore, it is a research field that can be further explored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]