CS/SB 7072 — Cancer Funding
by Fiscal Policy Committee and Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services
This summary is provided for information only and does not represent the opinion of any Senator, Senate Officer, or Senate Office.
Prepared by: Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services Committee (AHS)
The bill revises the Casey DeSantis Cancer Research Program’s purpose to include the promotion of the provision of high-quality, innovative health care for persons undergoing cancer treatment in Florida and requires the program’s allocation agreements to contain specific contractual requirements.
The bill specifies that grant funding available through the Cancer Innovation Fund is available to health care providers and facilities that demonstrate excellence in patient-centered cancer treatment or research.
The bill codifies the Cancer Connect Collaborative (Collaborative) in statute by providing that the Collaborative is created within the Department of Health (DOH) to advise the department and the Legislature on developing a holistic approach to the state’s efforts to fund cancer research, cancer facilities, and treatments for cancer patients. Under the bill, the Collaborative must:
- Advise the DOH on the awarding of grants issued through the Cancer Innovation Fund;
- Make recommendations on proposed legislation, proposed rules, best practices, data collection and reporting, issuance of grant funds, and other proposals for state policy relating to cancer research or treatment; and
- Develop a long-range comprehensive plan for the Casey DeSantis Cancer Research Program by December 1, 2024.
The bill revises the membership of the Florida Cancer Control and Research Advisory Council from 15 to 16 members and requires that one member be a representative of the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville.
The bill is expected to have a minimal impact on the DOH, however, such impacts are indeterminate. The 2024-2025 General Appropriations Act provides $40 million in recurring general revenue funds for the Cancer Innovation Fund.
If approved by the Governor, or allowed to become law without the Governor’s signature, these provisions take effect July 1, 2024.
Vote: Senate 38-0; House 115-0