NY A06987

Department of Health shall conduct a study examining the effects of racial and ethnic disparities on infant mortality, including statewide and regional death rates, trends, patterns, and factors contributing to disparities.

Study shall review the extent to which racial and ethnic disparities in infant mortality indicate need for increased access to health care services and identify ways to reduce or eliminate such disparities.

Department may consult with specialists in neonatal and post-neonatal pathology, maternal and infant health, minority health advocacy, and related fields during the study.

Department must submit a report to the governor, senate president, assembly speaker, and legislative minority leaders within one year containing study findings and recommendations for legislative or other actions to reduce infant mortality and address disparities.

Department may submit additional reports at its discretion, with subsequent reports identifying the extent to which prior recommendations were implemented and their impact on infant mortality rates.