MIAMI – Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis held a press conference at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital in Miami Tuesday afternoon.
He was joined by First Lady Casey DeSantis, Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez and Florida Department of Health Surgeon General Dr. Joseph A. Ladapo.
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DeSantis spoke about significant investments in pediatric and cancer care as he signed three pivotal bills aimed at advancing healthcare innovation, research, and patient care across Florida: Senate Bill 1582, Senate Bill 7072, and House Bill 885.
“Between our robust commitments to pediatric and cancer care and the legislation enacted today,” said DeSantis. “Florida is poised to greatly enhance our efforts in expanding high-quality healthcare and fostering innovation.”
“I am honored to join Governor DeSantis in signing legislation that will accelerate medical research and breakthroughs for Floridians, particularly for pediatric and cancer patients statewide,” said Casey DeSantis. “By promoting innovation, facilitating data sharing, and expanding resources dedicated to cancer, Florida is significantly elevating its fight against this disease.”
According to a news release from the governor’s office, Senate Bill 1582 introduces several initiatives:
- “Establishes the Andrew John Anderson Pediatric Rare Disease Grant Program to fund research aimed at advancing treatments for rare pediatric diseases.
- Introduces a new category for environmental health technicians, enabling them to conduct septic tank inspections without a four-year degree.
- Clarifies responsibilities for administering newborn screenings and submitting screening cards.
- Includes genetic counselors among healthcare professionals eligible to receive state laboratory results.
- Standardizes health and hearing screenings for newborns, infants, and toddlers to ensure early detection of diseases.
Senate Bill 7072 enhances the Casey DeSantis Cancer Research Program by:
- Expanding its scope to promote innovative healthcare solutions for cancer patients in Florida and implementing additional accountability measures.
- Establishing the Cancer Connect Collaborative within the Department of Health (DOH) to advise on the allocation of grants from the Cancer Innovation Fund and recommend policies related to cancer research and treatment.
- Revising the membership of the Florida Cancer Control and Research Advisory Council to include a representative from the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville and increasing its total members to 16.
House Bill 885 mandates:
- Coverage for biomarker testing under the State Group Insurance Division and Florida Medicaid, for diseases where such testing demonstrates clinical utility in guiding treatment decisions based on medical and scientific evidence.”
“These investments by our Legislature, championed by Governor DeSantis, underscore our commitment to ensuring all Floridians have ample opportunities to achieve their health objectives,” stated Dr. Joseph Ladapo, Surgeon General of the Florida Department of Health. “These commitments reflect our steadfast dedication to prioritizing the wellbeing of every Floridian.”
Governor DeSantis recently signed the Focus on Florida’s Future Budget, which allocates $116.5 billion for the state, featuring substantial investments in health and human services:
- $456.5 million to support maternal and child health.
- Over $232 million for cancer research, including a notable $60 million for the Florida Cancer Innovation Fund and $127.5 million for the Casey DeSantis Cancer Research Program.
- $3 million for pediatric cancer research and grants.
- Significant funding increases for Medicaid rates for pediatric physicians and specialty children’s hospitals providing acute care services.”
“These measures highlight Florida’s commitment to advancing healthcare initiatives, ensuring access to critical services, and bolstering research efforts statewide,” the news release stated.
“The proposed legislation also mandates the inclusion of biomarker testing in state employees’ health insurance policies managed by the Department of Management Services,” DeSantis said.
Local 10 viewers can watch the press conference here: