State News

Gov. Scott Signs Bill Into Law To Better Help Diagnose Parkinson’s Disease

WFSU | By Sascha Cordner

Published June 20, 2017 at 5:21 PM EDT

Governor Rick Scott has signed a bill into law that supporters say will help in the fight against Parkinson’s disease.

DaTscan is a drug that can be used to diagnose Parkinson’s disease, which affects motor function and can cause tremors. But, because it’s derived from cocaine and another Schedule II controlled substance, DaTscan is also under that classification as well. So, Rep. Jay Trumbull (R-Panama City) says his bill—now law—removes DaTscan from the Florida Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act.

“The feds pulled this off of their schedule back in 2015 because there was not potential for harm or misuse,” he said. “And, Florida and Oklahoma are the only two states left to do this. So, I think it’s a wonderful thing. It gives doctors a wonderful tool to diagnose Parkinson’s early, earlier on.”

The Florida change takes effect July 1^st.

For more news updates, follow Sascha Cordner on Twitter: @SaschaCordner.

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Sascha Cordner

Sascha Cordner has more than ten years of public radio experience. It includes working at NPR member station WUFT-FM in Gainesville for several years. She's worked in both radio and TV, serving in various capacities as a reporter, producer and anchor. She's also a graduate of the University of Florida with a bachelor's degree in telecommunications. She is the recipient of 15 awards from the Associated Press, Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ), and Edward R. Murrow. Her award-winning stories include her coverage on the infamous “Dozier School for Boys” and a feature titled "Male Breast Cancer: Lost in the Sea of Pink." Currently, Sascha serves as the host and producer of local and state news content for the afternoon news program "All Things Considered" at WFSU. Sascha primarily covers criminal justice and social services issues. When she's not reporting, Sascha likes catching up on her favorite TV shows, singing and reading. Follow Sascha Cordner on Twitter:@SaschaCordner.

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