Monday, June 8, 2009

NEWS: Federal S. 1169 joins H.R. 1600 to provide for the treatment of autism under TRICARE

On June 3, 2009 S. 1169 was introduced by Senator Kirsten E. Gillibrand (NY), as the Senate-side companion resolution to the previously introduced H.R. 1600. Both bills would "amend title 10, United States Code, to provide for the treatment of autism under TRICARE.".

Senator Gillibrand talking about her Autism Plan and S. 1169


Sections of particular interest to Behavior Analysts (identical language in H.R. 1600 and S. 1169),
"...`(3) The Secretary may not consider the use of applied behavior analysis or other structured behavior programs under this section to be special education for purposes of section 1079(a)(9) of this title.
`(4) In carrying out this subsection, the Secretary shall ensure that--
`(A) a person who is authorized to provide applied behavior analysis or other structured behavior programs is licensed or certified by a State, the Behavior Analyst Certification Board, or other accredited national certification board; and
`(B) if applied behavior analysis or other structured behavior program is provided by an employee or contractor of a person authorized to provide such treatment, the employee or contractor shall meet minimum qualifications, training, and supervision requirements consistent with business best practices in the field of behavior analysis and autism services.
`(5) In this section:
`(A) The term `autism spectrum disorders' includes autistic disorder, Asperger's syndrome, and any of the pervasive developmental disorders as defined by the most recent edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.
`(B) The term `habilitative and rehabilitative care' includes--
`(i) professional counseling;
`(ii) guidance service;
`(iii) treatment programs, including not more than 40 hours per week of applied behavior analysis; and
`(iv) other structured behavior programs that a health care professional determines necessary to develop, improve, maintain, or restore the functions of the beneficiary..."
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Full text, tracking and other commentary on S.1169 and H.R. 1600

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