S231 Summary

• Requires the Department of Health and Human Services to study the concept of a unified public health system in North Carolina and report feasibility by May 1, 2015, to the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Health and Human Services and the Program Evaluation Division.

• Mandates the study include evaluation of North Carolina's publicly financed health services compared to at least 12 other states using indicators such as infant mortality, obesity, diabetes, tobacco use, drug abuse, and mental illness rates.

• Requires assessment of public health data collection systems, their comprehensiveness and validity, and analysis of costs to improve deficient reporting systems.

• Directs evaluation of the state's public health service delivery structure, including identification of state, local, public, and private entities involved in health outcomes, and examination of governance structures for public health and mental health.

• Requires recommendations for public strategies and innovations to address North Carolina's health strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.