AN ACT directing the department of health and human services, division of public health, to conduct a study and a statewide public awareness campaign on polycystic ovary syndrome; and appropriating funds for this purpose.

The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:

SECTION 1.(a)  The Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Public Health (DPH), shall conduct a study on the medical issues surrounding polycystic ovary syndrome and the impact of this syndrome on women residing in North Carolina. The study shall include at least all of the following:

(1)        An examination of the number of women who have been diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome over the last five years and the symptoms associated with the disease.

(2)        An examination of the number of women with polycystic ovary syndrome who have been misdiagnosed or underdiagnosed over the last five years.

(3)        A review of the causes and cures for polycystic ovary syndrome.

(4)        Identification of effective therapies for managing the symptoms associated with polycystic ovary syndrome and whether these therapies are affordable and readily available within the State.

(5)        An examination of whether polycystic ovary syndrome disproportionately affects a particular population of women in the State.

(6)        The effect and correlation polycystic ovary syndrome has on fertility rates.

(7)        Any other matters the Division of Public Health deems relevant to its efforts.

SECTION 1.(b)  DPH shall report its findings, together with any proposed legislation, to the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Health and Human Services on or before December 1, 2023.

SECTION 1.(c)  DPH shall design, coordinate, and oversee a statewide public awareness campaign to provide medically accurate information regarding polycystic ovary syndrome and to inform the general public about the findings of the study authorized by this act.

SECTION 2.  There is appropriated from the General Fund to the Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Public Health, the sum of one hundred fifty thousand dollars ($150,000) in nonrecurring funds for the 2023‑2024 fiscal year to be used to fund the study and the statewide public awareness campaign on polycystic ovary syndrome required by this act.

SECTION 3.  This act becomes effective July 1, 2023.