AR HB1803

Creates the Arkansas Blue Ribbon Panel on Pediatric Cancer Research consisting of 14 members including representatives from the Department of Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Arkansas Children's Research Institute, Arkansas Cancer Coalition, Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute, pediatric cancer physicians, and parents of pediatric cancer patients or survivors.

Director of the Department of Health shall call the first meeting within 30 days of the effective date; panel members shall elect a chair or cochairs and establish rules and procedures for conducting business.

Panel shall meet at least quarterly and requires a majority quorum with majority vote needed for passage of motions; Department of Health shall provide staff, materials, and meeting space or may designate these duties to a volunteering entity.

Panel purposes include advancing pediatric cancer research and treatment, improving childhood cancer surveillance, and supporting resources for pediatric cancer patients and survivors; panel may undertake research funded by donations or grants and solicit funding.

Panel shall submit annual reports to the Director of the Department of Health and shall expire on January 1, 2022.