Tallahassee, Florida – Governor Ron DeSantis has announced major health care strides for Florida, highlighting significant investments in pediatric and cancer care. Additionally, he signed three key bills aimed at enhancing health care innovation, research, and patient care: Senate Bill 1582, Senate Bill 7072, and House Bill 885.
Enhancing Health Care and Innovation
“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 also emphasized the importance of these initiatives. “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,” she said. “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: Focusing on Pediatric Rare Diseases
Senate Bill 1582 introduces several important measures:
- Andrew John Anderson Pediatric Rare Disease Grant Program: This program will provide grants to advance research and cures for rare pediatric diseases.
- Environmental Health Technicians: The bill creates a new profession, allowing technicians to perform septic tank inspections without a four-year degree.
- Newborn Screening: The responsibility for administering newborn screenings and submitting newborn screening cards is clarified, and genetic counselors are added to the list of health care practitioners who may receive state lab results.
- Health Screening Standardization: The bill standardizes newborn, infant, and toddler health and hearing screenings to ensure timely diagnoses of diseases.
Senate Bill 7072: Strengthening Cancer Research
Senate Bill 7072 enhances the Casey DeSantis Cancer Research Program, promoting high-quality, innovative health care for cancer patients. Key components include:
- Cancer Connect Collaborative: This entity within the Department of Health (DOH) will advise on developing a comprehensive approach to cancer research, facilities, and treatments. It will also make recommendations on legislation, data collection, and state policy proposals.
- Grant Fund Issuance: The Collaborative will advise on awarding grants through the Cancer Innovation Fund.
- Long-Range Plan: A comprehensive plan for the Casey DeSantis Cancer Research Program is to be developed by December 1, 2024.
- Florida Cancer Control and Research Advisory Council: Membership is revised from 15 to 16 members, including a representative from the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville.
House Bill 885: Expanding Coverage for Biomarker Testing
House Bill 885 mandates that the Division of State Group Insurance and Florida Medicaid provide coverage for biomarker testing. This testing is crucial for diagnosing, treating, managing, and monitoring diseases or conditions, guiding treatment decisions when clinically useful as evidenced by medical and scientific data.
“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.”
Monumental Investments in Health and Human Services
Governor DeSantis recently signed the Focus on Florida’s Future Budget, marking a significant investment of $116.5 billion. Key health and human services investments include:
- Support for Pregnant Women, New Moms, and Children: $456.5 million.
- Cancer Research: Over $232 million, including $60 million for the Florida Cancer Innovation Fund and $127.5 million for the Casey DeSantis Cancer Research Program.
- Pediatric Cancer Research: $3 million in the coming year’s budget.
- Medicaid Rate Increases: $138 million over the last two years to increase rates for pediatric physicians.
- Specialty Children’s Hospitals: Nearly $85 million for inpatient/outpatient policy adjusters.
- Nicklaus Children’s Hospital: $255,000 to support specialized care.
These comprehensive measures and significant investments demonstrate Florida’s commitment to advancing health care, fostering innovation, and ensuring the well-being of its residents.
