Bill > H5203

This bill, titled the "Florida NCI Cancer Centers Act," designates funds from the Biomedical Research Trust Fund for the Florida Consortium of National Cancer Institute Centers Program, which aims to improve cancer care and research in the state. The program will distribute funding to Florida-based cancer centers recognized by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) or those working towards such designation. Funding allocations will be determined by a formula that considers factors like the number of reported cancer cases, peer-review costs for research, and biomedical education and training, with different tiers of cancer centers (comprehensive, designated, and those seeking designation) receiving weighted scores. The bill also establishes criteria for cancer centers to qualify for different tiers, including conducting research, offering comprehensive services, hosting clinical trials, and having significant NCI peer-reviewed grant funding, with a limit on how long centers can participate in the lowest tier. Additionally, the bill mandates that participating cancer centers report on cancer mortality rates and external research funding, with potential suspension from the program for non-compliance.