Subcommittee unanimously advances bill placing UF Diabetes Institute in statute

The Education Administration Subcommittee unanimously reported HB 901 favorably after Representative Ken Cart Johnson described the bill as a statutory placement of the University of Florida Diabetes Institute intended to strengthen Florida’s leadership in diabetes research and care.

Representative Ken Cart Johnson said HB 901 "establishes the University of Florida Diabetes Institute in statute to strengthen Florida's leadership in diabetes research, treatment, and education." He noted diabetes "affects more than 2,000,000 Floridians" and said the Legislature invested $10,000,000 last year in the UF Diabetes Institute to expand physician education, early screening, and research that translates to patient care.

The sponsor told members the bill does not create an entirely new program but places the existing institute in statute to improve coordination, competitiveness for federal research dollars, and return on prior state investments.

There was no public opposition testimony recorded for HB 901 in the committee; Monica Rodriguez (University of Florida Health Corporation) and a representative of AARP waived in support. The roll-call vote was 18 yays, 0 nays, and the bill was reported favorably by the subcommittee.