(1) The University of Florida Diabetes Institute is established within the University of Florida College of Medicine as a resource for diabetes research, screening, prevention, treatment, and education. The purpose of the institute is to advance scientific discovery, improve prevention and clinical care, and promote education and outreach related to all forms of diabetes, including type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, gestational diabetes, and related metabolic conditions.
(2) The institute shall do all of the following:(a) Conduct research to understand the causes, mechanisms, and potential cures for diabetes, including autoimmune, genetic, and environmental factors.
(b) Develop advanced prevention, diagnostic, and treatment strategies to reduce the incidence and complications of diabetes in children and adults.
(c) Provide comprehensive, multidisciplinary clinical care to individuals living with diabetes, including patient and family education, nutrition counseling, mental health support, and disease management resources.
(d) Train and educate health care professionals, including physicians, nurses, dietitians, pharmacists, and scientists, to expand expertise in diabetes care and research.
(e) Establish collaborations with state universities, medical centers, patient advocacy groups, community organizations, and government agencies to enhance care and accelerate progress toward diabetes prevention and cures.
(f) Engage in community-based outreach and education programs to increase awareness, reduce disparities in diabetes outcomes, and promote healthier lifestyles.
(3)(a) The institute may establish and administer statewide pilot programs, including, but not limited to, population-based diabetes screening, prevention initiatives, and technology-driven management tools.
(b) The institute shall maintain a secure data repository to collect, store, and analyze deidentified data for the purpose of advancing diabetes research, prevention, and care.
(c) The institute may provide deidentified data, pursuant to data-sharing agreements, to research collaborators to support ongoing and future scientific investigations.
(4)(a) The institute may convene a statewide diabetes research and care consortium composed of clinical and academic experts, health care providers, and patient representatives to coordinate research, share expertise, and develop innovative care models.
(b) The consortium shall, upon being convened, be administered at the institute under the direction of the institute’s executive leadership.
(c) The consortium may solicit funding from public, nonprofit, and private sources to expand programs, research initiatives, and community services.
(5) Beginning October 15, 2027, and annually thereafter, the institute shall provide a report to the Governor, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives which includes all of the following:(a) Research projects and findings.
(b) Clinical services provided and patient outcomes.
(c) Community outreach and prevention initiatives.
(d) Recommendations for future initiatives.
(6) This section shall be implemented to the extent of appropriations provided in the annual General Appropriations Act or from other available funds.
