Florida House Bill H1385

Florida 2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/26
• Refer: 1/15/26
• Failed: 3/13/26

Caption

Trust Funds/Creation/Experimental Treatments for Terminal Conditions and Life-threatening Rare Diseases

Impact

The legislation is designed to foster support for patients who may otherwise encounter financial barriers when seeking innovative medical treatments. By providing a structured mechanism to facilitate financial assistance, H1385 could significantly impact the accessibility of experimental therapies for individuals facing dire health challenges. The existence of the fund underscores a public health priority within the state, recognizing the need for improved access to unconventional and experimental medical options that are often not covered by standard healthcare plans.

Summary

House Bill H1385 proposes the establishment of the Experimental Treatment Access Trust Fund in Florida, which aims to assist eligible residents with the costs associated with travel and partial care for experimental treatments. The fund will authorize licensed experimental treatment centers to contribute 2% of their net annual profits from such treatments to the trust fund or provide an equivalent amount of treatment care at no cost. This initiative is particularly directed towards individuals dealing with terminal conditions and life-threatening rare diseases, thereby enhancing access to potentially life-saving treatments.

Contention

Opposition to this bill may stem from concerns over how funds are managed and the efficacy of relying on contributions from experimental treatment centers. Critics could argue that the financial burden placed on these centers may deter them from participating voluntarily, potentially undermining the very intent of the bill. Additionally, there may be debates regarding the overall effectiveness of experimental treatments, raising questions about the ethical implications of providing state-funded support for therapies with uncertain outcomes.