9:6-8.98.1 Study of effects of racial, ethnic disparities on infant mortality.

1. a. The Child Fatality and Near Fatality Review Board shall study the effects of racial and ethnic disparities on infant mortality.

The purpose of the study shall be to:

(1) identify Statewide and regional infant death rates, trends, patterns, and racial and ethnic disparities in adverse birth outcomes, and medical, non-medical, and system-related factors that may have contributed to infant deaths and treatment disparities;

(2) review the extent to which racial and ethnic disparities in infant mortality in a geographic area indicate the need to increase access to health care services among racial and ethnic populations in that area;

(3) identify ways to reduce or eliminate racial and ethnic disparities that contribute to infant mortality; and

(4) review the extent to which racial and ethnic disparities in breastfeeding initiation and duration indicate the need to increase breastfeeding supports among racial and ethnic populations throughout the State.

b. In conducting the study, the board may seek the advice of persons specializing in the fields of neonatal and post neonatal pathology, maternal and infant health, minority health advocacy, or other related fields.

c. Within one year after the date of enactment of this act, the board shall prepare and submit to the Governor and, pursuant to section 2 of P.L.1991, c.164 (C.52:14-19.1), to the Legislature, a report containing the study's findings concerning the effects of racial and ethnic disparities on infant mortality and recommendations for legislative or other actions that can be undertaken to:

(1) reduce infant mortality and improve birth outcomes in the State;

(2) reduce or eliminate racial and ethnic disparities that contribute to infant mortality;

(3) increase access to health care services among racial and ethnic populations in the State; and

(4) increase breastfeeding supports among racial and ethnic populations throughout the State.

d. The board may prepare and submit additional reports when the board deems it appropriate, and each report, with the exception of the first report prepared under this section, shall additionally identify the extent to which the board's prior recommendations have been successfully implemented in practice and the apparent impact that the implementation of such recommended changes has had on infant mortality in the preceding years.

L.2018, c.22, s.1.