(1) The purpose of this program is to provide statewide outreach, promote prostate cancer awareness, communicate the advantages of early detection, report recent progress in prostate cancer research and the availability of clinical trials, minimize health disparities through outreach and education, communicate best practices principles to physicians involved in the care of prostate cancer patients, and establish a communication platform for patients and their advocates.

(2) For purposes of implementing the program, the University of Florida Prostate Disease Center may work with other agencies, organizations, and institutions to create a systematic approach to community education and increase public awareness regarding prostate cancer by:

(a) Conducting activities directly or entering into a contract with qualified nonprofit community education entities.

(b) Seeking any available gifts, private grants, or funds from the Federal Government, philanthropic foundations, and industry or business groups.

(3) The University of Florida Prostate Disease Center (UFPDC) shall establish the UFPDC Prostate Cancer Advisory Council and lead the advisory council in developing and implementing strategies to improve outreach and education and thereby reduce the number of patients who develop prostate cancer.

(a) The executive director of the University of Florida Prostate Disease Center shall appoint, in consultation with the Department of Health’s Comprehensive Cancer Control Program and the State Surgeon General, a geographically and institutionally diverse advisory council, which shall consist of:

1. Two persons from prostate cancer survivor groups or cancer-related advocacy groups.

2. Four persons, one of whom is a physician licensed under chapter 458, one of whom is a physician licensed under chapter 459, one of whom is a scientist, and one of whom is the executive director of the University of Florida Prostate Disease Center or a designee.

3. Three persons who are engaged in the practice of a cancer-related medical specialty from health organizations committed to cancer research and control.

(b) Members shall serve as volunteers without compensation.

(c) Each member of the advisory council shall be appointed to a 4-year term; however, for the purpose of providing staggered terms, of the initial appointments, four members shall be appointed to 2-year terms and four members shall be appointed to 4-year terms. The remaining seat shall be filled by the executive director of the University of Florida Prostate Disease Center or a designee.

(d) The advisory council shall meet annually and at other times at the call of the executive director of the University of Florida Prostate Disease Center or by a majority vote of the members of the advisory council.

(e) Five of the members of the advisory council constitute a quorum, and an affirmative vote of a majority of the members present is required for final action.

(f) The advisory council shall:

1. Present prostate-cancer-related policy recommendations to the Department of Health and other appropriate governmental entities.

2. Assess the accuracy of prostate cancer information disseminated to the public.

3. Develop effective communication channels among all private and public entities in the state involved in prostate cancer education, research, treatment, and patient advocacy.

4. Plan, develop, and implement activities designed to heighten awareness and educate residents of the state, especially those in underserved areas, regarding the importance of prostate cancer awareness.

5. Disseminate information about recent progress in prostate cancer research and the availability of clinical trials.

6. Minimize health disparities through outreach and education.

7. Communicate best practices principles to physicians involved in the care of patients with prostate cancer.

8. Establish a communication platform for patients and their advocates.

9. Solicit private grants or philanthropic funding to conduct an annual prostate cancer symposium that brings physicians, researchers, community leaders, prostate cancer survivors, and prostate cancer advocates together to highlight recent advances in prostate cancer research, clinical trials, and best practices used for the prevention of prostate cancer and to promote strategies for successful rural and urban outreach, community education, and increased awareness.

10. Submit and present an annual report to the Governor, the President of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the State Surgeon General by January 15 of each year, which contains recommendations for legislative changes necessary to decrease the incidence of prostate cancer, decrease racial and ethnic disparities among persons diagnosed with prostate cancer, and promote increased community education and awareness regarding this disease.

(4) The University of Florida Prostate Disease Center (UFPDC) and the UFPDC Prostate Cancer Advisory Council shall be funded within existing resources of the university.

History.—s. 14, ch. 2004-2; s. 29, ch. 2008-6; s. 3, ch. 2009-161; s. 1, ch. 2011-74; s. 83, ch. 2014-17.