* § 241. Office of health equity created. There is hereby created an
office of health equity within the state department of health. Such
office shall:

1. Work collaboratively with other state agencies and affected
stakeholders, including providers and representatives of underserved
populations, in order to set priorities, collect and disseminate data,
and align resources within the department and across other state
agencies. The office shall also conduct health promotion and educational
outreach, as well as develop and implement interventions aimed at
achieving health equity among underserved populations by implementing
strategies to address the varying complex causes of health disparities,
including the economic, physical, and social environments.

2. Integrate and coordinate selected state health care grant and loan
programs established specifically for promoting health equity in New
York state. As part of this function, the office shall develop a
coordinated application process for use by providers, municipalities and
others in seeking funds and/or technical assistance on pertinent
programs and services targeted to address health equity among
underserved populations.

3. Apply for grants, and accept gifts from private and public sources
for research to improve and enhance health equity. The office shall also
promote health equity research in universities and colleges.

4. Together with the health equity council, serve as liaison and
advocate for the department on health equity matters. This function
shall include the provision of staff support to the health equity
council and the establishment of appropriate program linkages with
related federal, state, and local agencies and programs such as the
office of health equity of the public health service, the agricultural
extension service and migrant health services.

5. Assist medical schools and state agencies to develop comprehensive
programs to improve the diversity of health personnel workforce by
promoting health equity clinical training and curriculum improvement,
and disseminating health career information to high school and college
students.

6. Promote community strategic planning to address the complex causes
of health disparities, including the social determinants of health and
health care delivery systems and networks, in order to improve health
equity. Strategic network planning and development may include such
considerations as healthful foods, quality housing, economic
opportunity, social relationships, transportation, and education, as
well as health care systems, including associated personnel, capital
facilities, reimbursement, primary care, long-term care, acute care,
rehabilitative, preventive, and related services on the health
continuum.

7. Review the impact of programs, regulations, and policies on health
equity.

* NB There are 2 § 241's