Bill > H1545

This bill establishes two new entities at the University of South Florida to advance Parkinson's disease research: the Consortium for Parkinson's Disease Research and the Florida Institute for Parkinson's Disease. The Consortium will be governed by a Research Board composed of representatives from participating universities and medical centers, with members serving 4-year terms and focusing on diverse scientific fields related to Parkinson's disease. The Consortium will be led by a director responsible for proposing budgets, fostering scientific collaboration, identifying research priorities, and applying for research grants. The board will annually develop a research plan aimed at understanding the causes, mechanisms, and potential treatments for Parkinson's disease, with a specific focus on researching the disease's prevalence among first responders. The Consortium will be required to submit an annual report to state leadership detailing research projects, findings, outreach initiatives, and future plans. The Florida Institute for Parkinson's Disease will serve as a statewide resource dedicated to finding a cure, improving patient quality of life, and advancing knowledge about the disease through research, clinical care, education, and advocacy. The bill recognizes that Parkinson's disease affects approximately one million Americans, with 90,000 new diagnoses annually, and emphasizes the critical need for innovative research. Implementation of these initiatives is contingent upon available funding in the state's General Appropriations Act, with the bill set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

Health Care Budget Subcommittee (House), Health Professions & Programs Subcommittee (House)

https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2025/1545