House Bill 1347 amends Section 381.915 of the Florida Statutes to establish the Florida Cancer Research Network under the Department of Health, with the goal of enhancing cancer treatment and research in the state. The bill introduces the Cancer Innovation Fund, which will provide grant funding to Florida-based cancer centers and facilities that demonstrate excellence in cancer treatment or research. It sets forth eligibility criteria for grant applicants, mandates the collection of patient data to evaluate treatment outcomes, and creates an online repository for best practices in cancer care on the Florida Cancer Connect website. Key changes include the deletion of previous provisions related to payments to National Cancer Institute-designated centers and the introduction of new definitions and criteria for grant funding.

Additionally, the bill establishes the Cancer Connect Collaborative, which will oversee the Florida Cancer Research Network and advise on funding, legislation, and best practices. The collaborative is tasked with preparing annual reports on the network's performance and making recommendations for improvements. It also introduces a Cancer Connect Collaborative Research Incubator to identify and fund targeted areas of cancer research for five years, with specific criteria for funding allocations and reporting requirements. The bill emphasizes accountability and transparency, requiring detailed budget narratives, quarterly expenditure reports, and annual reporting of outcome data. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and is subject to annual appropriations by the Legislature.

Statutes affected:
H 1347 Filed: 381.915