LEG. NEWS - West Virginia : HB 4410 autism insurance bill would defines competencies, requirements and scope of practice of state "Certified Behavior Analysts"

This blog previously reported on SB 145 and HB 2858 which would amend West Virginia code to require insurance coverage for autism spectrum disorder early detection, diagnosis and treatment.  HB 2858 references "behavioral therapy" but does not explicitly address providers and competencies.

Since that post two more bills have been added to the slate of legislation currently in the West Virginia Legislature.

A bill introduced on Tuesday February 9, 2010 explicitly references applied behavior analysis, the competencies and qualifications of the stated service providers, and qualifications of "Certified Behavior Analyst"s is

HB 4410
Introduced February 9, 2010 ; referred to the Committee on Banking and Insurance.
A BILL to amend the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, by adding thereto a new section, designated §5-16-7f; to amend said code by adding thereto a new section, designated §9-5-21; and to amend said code by adding thereto a new section, designated §33-16-3v, all relating to requiring health insurance coverage for autism spectrum disorders; setting forth the types of coverage required; requiring medical services to be provided on a nondiscriminatory basis; and defining terms.

Some definitions from HB 4410 that may be of interest to practicing behavior analysts,

• "Autism services provider" means any person, entity or group that provides treatment of autism spectrum disorders.
• "Certified behavior analyst" means a West Virginia licensed psychiatrist or psychologist who is also board certified as a behavior analyst by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board.
• "Habilitative or rehabilitative care" means professional, counseling and guidance services and treatment programs, including applied behavior analysis, that are necessary to develop, maintain and restore, to the maximum extent practicable, the functioning of an individual.
• "Therapeutic care" means services provided by licensed or certified speech therapists, occupational therapists or physical therapists under the direction of a certified behavioral analyst.

HB 4410 would apply to West Virginia Public Employees Insurance, Medicaid, Group Accident and Sickness Insurance,

Another bill introduced on January 28, 2010 is primarily related to prohibiting gender discrimination.

HB. 4215,
Introduced January 28, 2010; referred to the Committee on Banking and Insurance then the Judiciary.
A BILL to amend the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, by adding thereto a new section, designated §5-16-7f; that said code be amended by adding thereto a new section, designated §33-15-22; that said code be amended by adding thereto a new section, designated §33-16-18; and that said code be amended by adding thereto a new section, designated §33-16D-17, all relating to prohibiting gender discrimination in health care insurance plans.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

West Virginia Legislature Bill Status Search page

West Virginia Legislature

Autism Votes - West Virginia
(No content related to the bills as of 2/15/10)

© 2010 Regina G. Claypool-Frey
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