Scott signs bill OKing experimental medicine for those dying

Originally posted in WCTV by AP

Terminally ill patients in Florida soon will be able to take experimental drugs, even if the medicines don’t have final federal approval.

Gov. Rick Scott signed the bill Wednesday. It takes effect July 1.

The bill is called the “Right to Try Act” and only applies to patients whose doctors say they have less than a year to live. Patients will be able to take experimental drugs as long as the medicines have gone through the first phase of federal approval.

Supporters have said people who have tried all other options shouldn’t have to wait for final U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval to see if a drug being tested can help them

Marijuana isn’t allowed under the new law, though some legislators sought to include it as an option.