* § 2500-l. Study of the effects of racial and ethnic disparities on breastfeeding rates. 1. The department shall conduct a study on the effects of racial and ethnic disparities on breastfeeding rates. The purpose of the study shall be to:

1. (a) identify statewide and regional breastfeeding rates, trends, patterns, and racial and ethnic disparities in breastfeeding rates, and medical, non-medical, and system-related factors that may have contributed to breastfeeding rate disparities;
2. (b) review the extent to which racial and ethnic disparities in breastfeeding in a geographic area indicate the need to increase access to health care services in that area;
3. (c) identify ways to reduce or eliminate racial and ethnic disparities that contribute to disparities in breastfeeding rates; and
4. (d) 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.
5. 2. In conducting the study, the department 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.

6. 3. Within one year after the effective date of this section, the department shall prepare and submit to the governor, the temporary president of the senate, the speaker of the assembly, the minority leader of the senate and the minority leader of the assembly a report containing the study's findings concerning the effects of racial and ethnic disparities on breastfeeding rates and recommendations for legislative or other actions that can be undertaken to:

   1. (a) increase breastfeeding rates in the state;
   2. (b) reduce or eliminate racial and ethnic disparities that contribute to disparity in breastfeeding rates;
   3. (c) increase access to health care services in the state; and
   4. (d) increase breastfeeding support throughout the state.
7. 4. The department may prepare and submit additional reports when the department 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 department's prior recommendations have been successfully implemented in practice and the apparent impact that the implementation of such recommended changes has had on breastfeeding rates in the preceding years. * NB There are 2 § 2500-l's