A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT to require the department of health and human services, division of public health, to study and report on eating disorders in north carolina.
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
SECTION 1.  The Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Public Health, is directed to study eating disorders in the State of North Carolina. At a minimum, the Division shall:
(1)	Identify the number of diagnosed incidences of eating disorders in North Carolina.
(2)	Provide an estimate of the number of individuals in North Carolina who are suffering from an eating disorder but who have not been formally diagnosed.
(3)	Identify the number of individuals who are being treated for an eating disorder.
(4)	Identify strategies by which the State can increase awareness of, and disseminate information about, eating disorders, including their symptoms, effects, and preventative interventions.
(5)	Examine the adequacy of training provided to public school officials in identifying the symptoms of eating disorders and in providing support to the individuals and families affected by eating disorders.
(6)	Make recommendations for improving education, prevention, early detection, and treatment of eating disorders.
(7)	Identify the availability of treatment consistent with the best practices described by the American Psychiatric Association and other published materials to individuals and families affected by eating disorders.
(8)	Consider any other issues the Division identifies that are related to the objectives of this study.
The Division shall solicit input from relevant organizations and entities, including the UNC Center for Excellence for Eating Disorders at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the North Carolina Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, the North Carolina Academy of Family Physicians, and national organizations specializing in eating disorders.
SECTION 2.  On or before November 1, 2017, the Division shall submit a report containing findings and recommendations to the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Health and Human Services. Based on the Division's report, the Committee shall consider making a recommendation to the 2018 General Assembly.
SECTION 3.  This act is effective when it becomes law.