A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT TO AUTHORIZE THE LEGISLATIVE RESEARCH COMMISSION TO STUDY AND EVALUATE THE NUMBER OF SCHOOL‑BASED AND SCHOOL‑LINKED HEALTH CENTERS TO DETERMINE THE IMPACT THE CENTERS HAVE ON PROVIDING HEALTH CARE.
Whereas, adolescents are the least likely segment of the population to use health services; and
Whereas, North Carolina ranks 39th in the nation regarding the general health and well‑being of its children, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; and
Whereas, without ready access to health services, adolescents often will not seek care or will stop seeking the care they desire and need; and
Whereas, the North Carolina Supreme Court affirmed in July 2004 that every child has a right to the "equal opportunity to receive a sound basic education"; and
Whereas, good health is critical to learning, and the absence of good health is a serious impediment to the opportunity to receive a sound basic education; and
Whereas, primary and preventive health services should be provided in or near schools where feasible; and
Whereas, there are approximately fifty‑five school‑based or school‑linked health centers, including a mobile van, currently available to at‑risk populations of young people in North Carolina; and
Whereas, only twenty‑seven school‑based and school‑linked centers receive some State funding; and
Whereas, many centers provide preventive and primary medical care and mental health services, including referrals and follow‑up treatments for serious illnesses and injuries, alcohol and other drug abuse, sexually transmitted infections, and immunization, while some centers provide only primary care; and
Whereas, the school‑based and school‑linked centers are available to less than one percent of the adolescent population statewide; and
Whereas, the rising cost of delivering health care has made the centers increasingly dependent on the funds received from the State, and center caseloads are increasing while funding has been static; Now, therefore,
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
SECTION 1.(a)  The Legislative Research Commission may study and evaluate the number of school‑based and school‑linked health centers in providing primary care, mental health, and other health care services to determine the centers' impact on providing health care. In conducting the study, the Commission may consider the following:
(1)	The health centers' role in contributing to the health and well being of adolescents and in reducing the cost of health care.
(2)	Adequacy of current funding and measures needed to sustain the centers as part of the overall school health strategy to improve the health of adolescents.
(3)	The secured‑care rate for students who have access to not only a school nurse but also to a school‑based or school‑linked health center and whether students receive care in a timely manner from appropriate health care providers.
(4)	Other matters related to the efficacy and efficiency of school‑based and school‑linked health centers such that care provided enables students to remain in class, be productive and attentive while in class, and have fewer absences from school.
To assist in the study, the Commission may consult with such stakeholders as the North Carolina Association of School‑Based and School‑Linked Health Centers, the North Carolina Pediatric Society, the Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Coalition of North Carolina, the Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Public Health, and other interested parties.
SECTION 1.(b)  The Legislative Research Commission may make an interim report, including proposed legislation, to the 2006 Regular Session of the 2005 General Assembly and shall make its final report to the 2007 General Assembly upon its convening.
SECTION 2.  The Legislative Services Officer shall allocate funds appropriated to the General Assembly for the expenditures of the Legislative Services Commission in conducting this study.
SECTION 3.  This act becomes effective July 1, 2005.