CS/HB 7153 Summary

• Establishes Cancer Center of Excellence Award to recognize hospitals and providers demonstrating excellence in patient-centered coordinated cancer care in Florida, with goal of encouraging quality care and attracting top providers.

• Creates 13-member joint committee (7 from Florida Cancer Control and Research Advisory Council, 6 from Biomedical Research Advisory Council) to develop performance measures, rating system, and rating standards by January 1, 2014; both councils must approve criteria.

• Requires Department of Health to conduct two annual application cycles; State Surgeon General appoints independent evaluation team of 5 evaluators to assess applicants; award recognized for 3-year periods.

• Awards winners may use designation in advertising and marketing for 3 years and receive preference in competitive state cancer care solicitations for 3 years after award date.

• Authorizes endowments for funded research chairs at integrated cancer research institutions under William G. "Bill" Bankhead, Jr., and David Coley Cancer Research Program, with 7-year funding commitment to attract experienced researchers.