MIAMI, Fla.—Governor Ron DeSantis today underscored substantial investments in pediatric and cancer care while signing three bills aimed at advancing health care innovation, research, and patient care in Florida. The legislation includes Senate Bill 1582, Senate Bill 7072, and House Bill 885.
“Between our strong investments in both pediatric and cancer care and the legislation signed today,” said Governor Ron DeSantis, “Florida will significantly boost our efforts to expand quality health care and innovation.”
First Lady Casey DeSantis emphasized the importance of these measures: “I am grateful to join the Governor today to sign legislation that will advance medical research and cures for Floridians, especially for pediatric and cancer patients across the state. By fostering innovation, encouraging data sharing and cooperation, and expanding cancer-related resources, Florida will bring the fight against cancer to a whole new level.”
Senate Bill 1582 establishes the Andrew John Anderson Pediatric Rare Disease Grant Program to support research into rare pediatric diseases. It also creates a new profession for environmental health technicians who can perform septic tank inspections without a four-year degree. Additionally, it clarifies responsibilities for administering newborn screenings and adds genetic counselors to those eligible to receive state lab results. The bill standardizes health screenings for newborns, infants, and toddlers.
Senate Bill 7072 enhances the Casey DeSantis Cancer Research Program by promoting innovative health care for cancer patients in Florida. It codifies the Cancer Connect Collaborative within the Department of Health (DOH) to advise on funding cancer research and treatments. The Collaborative is tasked with advising on grant awards through the Cancer Innovation Fund, making legislative recommendations, developing best practices, collecting data, issuing grants funds, proposing state policies related to cancer treatment or research, and creating a long-term plan for the Casey DeSantis Cancer Research Program by December 1, 2024. The bill also revises membership of the Florida Cancer Control and Research Advisory Council from 15 to 16 members including a representative from Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville.
House Bill 885 mandates that the Division of State Group Insurance provide coverage for biomarker testing under certain conditions while allowing Florida Medicaid to do so as well.
“These investments made by our Legislature and championed by Governor DeSantis will help ensure that Floridians continue having as many opportunities as possible to achieve their health goals,” said Florida Department of Health Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo. “These investments continue to show our commitment to prioritizing the well-being of all Floridians.”
Last week’s signing of the Focus on Florida’s Future Budget represents an investment of $116.5 billion in various sectors including health services:
- $456.5 million investment supporting pregnant women, new mothers, and children;
- Over $232 million allocated for cancer research including $60 million for the Florida Cancer Innovation Fund;
- $3 million dedicated towards pediatric cancer research;
- $138 million over two years increasing Medicaid rates for pediatric physicians;
- Nearly $85 million allocated towards specialty children’s hospitals providing acute care services;
- $255 thousand supporting Nicklaus Children’s Hospital's specialized patient care through CMS.
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