NC S347

Department of Health and Human Services must study the concept of a unified public health system for North Carolina and report findings by May 1, 2013 to the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Health and Human Services and Program Evaluation Division.

Study must compare North Carolina's publicly financed health services to at least 12 other states using indicators including infant mortality, obesity, diabetes, tobacco use, drug abuse, and mental illness rates.

Report must assess quality and accessibility of public health data collection methods, comprehensiveness of available indicators, and costs for improving deficient data systems.

Evaluation must review the structure of publicly financed health services in North Carolina, identifying state, local, public, and private entities involved in health outcomes, including public health workforce education.

Study must analyze governance structures of public health and mental health systems, examining advantages and disadvantages of current and alternative models, and provide recommendations for strategies to improve health outcomes.