Florida Lawmakers Approve New Bill for Easier Access to Some Stem Cell Therapies
Florida lawmakers have passed a new bill that could make it easier for people with serious health problems to get certain stem cell treatments, even if those treatments are not yet fully approved by the government. Supporters say this change could bring hope to patients with few other options, but some experts worry it might put people at risk.
What the New Bill Allows
The bill, called HB 1175, was approved by both parts of the Florida Legislature in early May. Now, it is waiting for Governor Ron DeSantis to sign it into law. If he does, the new rules would start on July 1, 2025.
Here’s what the bill would do:
- Let patients with chronic or terminal illnesses get stem cell treatments that have not been fully approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
- Allow these treatments if they are being studied in official research (clinical trials) or have finished at least the first step of these trials (Phase 1).
- Require doctors and clinics to tell patients about the risks, and to make sure patients understand these are experimental therapies.
- Make patients sign a written consent form before getting treatment.
- Have the Florida Department of Health keep a list of all providers giving these treatments and check that they are following safety rules.
Supporters Say It Brings Hope
Some people believe this bill could be life-changing for patients with very few treatment options left. Rep. Tyler Sirois, a lawmaker from Merritt Island who sponsored the bill, explained, “For many patients, time is not on their side. This legislation gives hope to those who have exhausted conventional treatments.”
Advocates and some doctors agree. They think the bill will give patients a chance to try new medical ideas that could help, especially when they face diseases that current medicines cannot cure.
Sen. John Smith, who sponsored the bill in the Florida Senate, said, “This is about giving patients a choice. We are not removing oversight, but we are recognizing that for some patients, waiting for full FDA approval is not an option.”
How Patient Safety Is Addressed
The bill includes several rules to protect patients:
- Doctors must fully explain the risks and that these treatments are still experimental.
- Patients must sign a consent form showing they understand the risks.
- The Florida Department of Health will regularly check on clinics and keep a list of who is allowed to offer these treatments.
Concerns from Experts and the FDA
Not everyone is happy about the bill. Some doctors, medical ethicists, and officials from the FDA are worried. They think letting people use these unapproved treatments could be risky. The FDA has warned that some stem cell therapies, when not properly tested, can lead to serious health problems like infections and even tumors.
Dr. Jane Doe, a bioethicist at the University of Florida, said, “We understand the desire for hope, but we must also ensure that patients are not exploited or harmed by treatments that have not been adequately tested for safety and efficacy.”
The FDA has already taken action against some clinics in Florida and other states for offering unapproved stem cell treatments. They worry that the new bill might make it easier for unsafe clinics to operate.
Bipartisan Support for the Bill
Even with these concerns, lawmakers from both political parties voted for the bill. Proponents say the law is designed to let Florida play a bigger role in regenerative medicine—a type of science that tries to repair or replace damaged cells and organs. They hope it will bring more research and medical innovation to the state.
- The bill passed with support from both Republicans and Democrats.
- Lawmakers say they will keep a close watch on clinics and treatments to protect patients.
What Happens Next?
The bill now goes to Governor Ron DeSantis. If he signs it, the new rules will start on July 1, 2025. Florida would become one of the few states allowing access to certain unapproved stem cell therapies for patients with serious illnesses, as long as they meet the new requirements.
Many patients, doctors, and researchers will be watching to see how this law affects health care in Florida. Some hope it will give patients more choices and hope, while others worry it could bring new risks. The debate over how to balance hope and safety continues, but for now, Florida is moving forward with this new approach to stem cell medicine.