A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT To appropriate funds for applied research projects to reduce infant mortality and morbidity in north carolina, as recommended by the child fatality task force.
Whereas, the 2009 infant mortality rate in North Carolina was 7.9 infant deaths per 1,000 live births; and
Whereas, though the infant mortality rate has declined in the past two decades, North Carolina still ranks 44th among the states; and
Whereas, applied research specifically targeted to components of infant mortality, such as prematurity and sudden infant death syndrome, has the potential to reduce infant mortality and morbidity dramatically; and
Whereas, the North Carolina Child Fatality Task Force endorses such projects because they also have shown a more than 300% return on investment; Now, therefore, 
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
SECTION 1.  There is appropriated from the General Fund to the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Rural Health and Community Care, the sum of five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000) for the 2011‑2012 fiscal year and the sum of five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000) for the 2012‑2013 fiscal year to be allocated to the Perinatal Quality Care Initiative of North Carolina (PQCNC) at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine to fund applied research projects to help reduce infant mortality and morbidity in the State.
SECTION 2.  In conjunction with the Office of Rural Health and Community Care, Community Care of North Carolina and in support of the Division of Medical Assistance's Pregnancy Home Initiative, PQCNC shall adopt annual plans of work that include applied research projects with health care providers and hospitals aimed at reducing infant mortality and morbidity across the State. PQCNC shall submit to the Office of Rural Health and Community Care and the General Assembly progress reports on each project, including outcomes and estimations of returns on investment.
SECTION 3.  This act becomes effective July 1, 2011.