90-470. Institute of Medicine.

(a) The persons appointed under the provisions of this section are declared to be a body politic and corporate under the name and style of the North Carolina Institute of Medicine, and by that name may sue and be sued, make and use a corporate seal and alter the same at pleasure, contract and be contracted with, and shall have and enjoy all the rights and privileges necessary for the purposes of this section. The corporation shall have perpetual succession.

(b) The purposes for which the corporation is organized are to:

(1) Be concerned with the health of the people of North Carolina;

(2) Monitor and study health matters;

(3) Respond authoritatively when found advisable;

(4) Respond to requests from outside sources for analysis and advice when this will aid in forming a basis for health policy decisions.

(c) The North Carolina Institute of Medicine shall be governed by a Board of Directors. The Board of Directors is authorized to establish and amend bylaws, to procure facilities, employ a director and staff, to solicit, receive and administer funds in the name of the North Carolina Institute of Medicine, and carry out other activities necessary to fulfill the purposes of this section.

(d) The Board of Directors shall select additional members of the North Carolina Institute of Medicine, so that the total membership will not exceed a number determined by the Board of Directors in its bylaws. The membership should be distinguished and influential leaders from the major health professions, the hospital industry, the health insurance industry, State and county government and other political units, education, business and industry, the universities, and the university medical centers.

(e) The North Carolina Institute of Medicine may receive and administer funds from private sources, foundations, State and county governments, federal agencies, and professional organizations.

(f) The director and staff of the North Carolina Institute of Medicine should be chosen from those well established in the field of health promotion and medical care.

(g) The North Carolina Institute of Medicine is declared to be under the patronage and control of the State.

(h) The General Assembly reserves the right to alter, amend, or repeal this Article.