Committee approves measure to create statewide Parkinson’s disease registry at USF

Representative Bousada presented House Bill 1443, explaining last year's creation of the Institute for Parkinson's Research at the University of South Florida and saying the bill "creates a statewide registry, to assist with that research within the institute." She proposed an amendment (barcode 468749) to clarify that the registry is to be established and maintained by USF's Institute for Parkinson's Research rather than contracted to a third party, and to revise reporting language for physicians under Florida statute.

The committee voted to report the amendment favorably. Mark Walsh of the University of South Florida waived in support during the bill‑as‑amended public testimony. Representative Bousada waived close and the committee voted to report the bill favorably as amended.

The measure also adds two members to the Parkinson's Disease Research Board: one appointed by the president of the senate and one appointed by the speaker of the house, and clarifies physician reporting timelines under Florida statute.