Clinical Governances' roots in the United Kingdom's National Health Service and the following introduction of "Governo Clinico" in Italy are analyzed. Some definitions of Clinical Governance and "Governo clinico" are presented and discussed, by highlighting the main characteristics and differences, both conceptual and semiological. Finally, legal bases for the official empowerment of Healthcare Governance in Italy are described, by focusing on the Region Emilia-Romagna, whose recent Social and Sanitary Plan for 2008-2010 has developed concepts of integration, multidisciplinarity, responsibility and quality of socio-sanitary services.