This bill proposes to establish the Childhood Cancer and Rare Childhood Disease Research Commission under the Arizona Department of Health Services (DHS), which will be responsible for awarding grants to health care providers and research institutions engaged in phase I clinical trials related to pediatric cancer and rare childhood diseases. The commission will consist of seven members, including survivors or caregivers of childhood cancer and rare diseases, health professionals, and a representative from a pediatric cancer advocacy organization. Members will serve five-year terms, elect a chairperson annually, and are not compensated but can be reimbursed for expenses. The commission is also tasked with submitting annual reports detailing grant awards and research outcomes.

Additionally, the bill amends the existing Childhood Cancer and Rare Childhood Disease Research Fund (CCRDF) to include funds from legislative appropriations, gifts, donations, and federal grants, while specifying that the DHS Director will allocate these funds for grants awarded by the commission. It clarifies that nonprofit organizations receiving these funds must use them solely for the intended purposes, even if combined with other funds. The bill also allows for collaborative research with facilities outside Arizona and mandates that commission members recuse themselves from discussions where they have conflicts of interest, ensuring the commission can maintain a quorum for decision-making.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 36-121, 36-121.01, 28-2442, 35-190