LEG. NEWS - Virginia autism insurance bill SB 464-S1 dies in House Commerce and Labor subcommittee

On February 23, 2010 Virginia autism insurance advocates suffered disappointment for the second year in the row with a House subcommittee decision to table,
 SB 464-S1  Health insurance; mandated coverage for autism spectrum disorder,

The bill last week passed the Virginia Senate by a 27-13 vote and was at the beginning stage of consideration in the Virginia House.

Subcommittee #1 of the House Commerce and Labor committee recommended by unanimous voice vote to table the measure, ending its progress in the 2010 legislative session.

SB 464-S1 would have allowed coverage of applied behavior analysis for children between the ages of 2-6, with a maximum annual benefit of $35,000 under limitations specified in the bill.

For further reading
House Denies Insurance Coverage for Treatment of Autistic Children
Bill would have required coverage for early intervention treatment that improves outcomes, saves state money
Office of Senator Janet Howell 32nd District
February 23, 2010

Panel kills autism treatment coverage mandate
By BOB LEWIS AP Political Writer
February 23, 2010

House panel rejects autism-insurance coverage
By Tyler Whitley Richmond Times-Dispatch:
Published: February 24, 2010

Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Quicktake: Virginia and Missouri autism insurance bills pass floor votes
ABA International Pracice Board Blog

© 2010 Regina G. Claypool-Frey
Disclaimer: This blog publishes news and announcements only as a service to interested persons, the posts are the responsibility of the individual author, and unless otherwise noted do not constitute nor claim to represent the official position of ABA International, its officers or associated entities. This blog makes no representation as to the accuracy of the report and readers are strongly encouraged to consult and reference the primary sources noted.

LEG.NEWS: Missouri - SS/SB 618 autism insurance bill to Senate floor for 3rd reading on Thursday, February 18, 2010

Missouri SS/SB 618: Requires health carriers to provide coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorders under certain conditions


Is shown on the Missouri Senate Calendar for Thursday, February 18, 2010, under
THIRD READING OF SENATE BILLS and is anticipated to be debated and voted on in that body.

The Missouri Senate is scheduled to convene at 10:00AM. CST

Past blog post
Feb 13, 2010
LEG. NEWS - Missouri : SS/SB 618 & HCS HB 1311 & 1341 poised for action the week of February 15, 2010; licensing added to the House bill


© 2010 Regina G. Claypool-Frey
Disclaimer: This blog publishes news and announcements only as a service to interested persons, the posts are the responsibility of the individual author, and unless otherwise noted do not constitute nor claim to represent the official position of ABA International, its officers or associated entities. This blog makes no representation as to the accuracy of the report and readers are strongly encouraged to consult and reference the primary sources noted.

LEG NEWS: Committee Substitute for Virginia SB 464 autism insurance bill scheduled to come to Senate Floor on February 16, 2010

**Update 2/16/10 - 1:11PM PST - SB 464 Committee Substitute was passed without amendment by a vote of 27 to 13 in the Virginia Senate**

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Virginia SB 464: A BILL to amend and reenact § 38.2-4319 of the Code of Virginia and to amend the Code of Virginia by adding a section numbered 38.2-3418.16, relating to health insurance coverage for autism spectrum disorder has been favorably reported with substitute  from the Senate Committee on Commerce and Labor on February 15, 2010.

The Regular Senate Calendar for Tuesday, February 16, 2010 shows
SB 464 S1  as coming to the Senate Floor for a vote.

The major change of the amendment/substitute was to reduce the age of coverage from up to age ten years to "from age two to age six".

Applied behavior analysis is defined in SB 464 S1, and coverage of applied behavior analysis is in the category of "Habilitative or rehabilitative care". Service provider of behavior analytic services not defined in SB 464 S1, nor are the competencies of the Behavior Analysis Certification Board specified.


FOR MORE INFORMATION

Virginia General Assembly

Autism Votes - Virginia

Bill mandates autism coverage
The state Senate votes today on legislation to require employers to cover autism treatments.
By Courtney Cutright
Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Past blog posts
Thursday, February 4, 2010
LEG. NEWS - Virginia autism insurance bills die or stall in committee

© 2010 Regina G. Claypool-Frey
Disclaimer: This blog publishes news and announcements only as a service to interested persons, the posts are the responsibility of the individual author, and unless otherwise noted do not constitute nor claim to represent the official position of ABA International, its officers or associated entities. This blog makes no representation as to the accuracy of the report and readers are strongly encouraged to consult and reference the primary sources noted.

LEG NEWS: Iowa autism insurance bill SF1 replaced by Committee substitute SF 2349

Senate File (SF)1: A bill for an act requiring certain group health insurance policies, contracts, or plans to provide coverage for autism spectrum disorders for certain persons, requiring certification of behavior specialists, and providing an applicability date.
was passed out of the Senate Commerce Committee with amendment on February 11, 2010 but the nature of those amendments were not available at that time.

At the Iowa Legislature on February 15, 2010 it is reported that SF1 has been replaced by

Committee substitute Senate File 2349

Senate File 2349 - Introduced
SENATE FILE BY COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE
(SUCCESSOR TO SF 1)

A BILL FOR An Act requiring certain group health insurance established for employees of the state to provide coverage for autism spectrum disorders for certain persons, requiring certification of behavior specialists, and providing an applicability date.

The most recent actions are
FEB. 15 10 Introduced, placed on calendar. S.J. 405.
FEB. 15 10 Committee report, approving bill. S.J. 407.

Bill Title: *SENATE FILE 2349 (formerly SF 1), a bill for an act requiring certain group health insurance established for employees of the state to provide coverage for autism spectrum disorders for certain persons, requiring certification of behavior specialists, and providing an applicability date.
Recommendation: APPROVED COMMITTEE BILL.
Final Vote: Ayes, 11 Nays, 3 Absent, 1

Fiscal Note: NOT REQUIRED UNDER JOINT RULE 17.
*Pursuant to Senate Rule 40, the Legislative Services Agency reported nonsubstantive changes
to the members of the Commerce Committee on Senate File 2349, and they were attached to the committee report.

Brief review seems to indicate that the clauses in SF 1 related to the creation of a "behavior specialist" certification still apply, to wit:

a "'Behavior specialist' means an individual, certified by the commissioner, who designs, implements, or evaluates a behavior modification intervention component of a treatment plan, including those based on applied behavioral analysis, to produce socially significant improvements in human behavior or to prevent loss of attained skill or function, through skill acquisition and the reduction of problematic behavior,

and that,

"The commissioner, in consultation with the board of medicine, shall adopt rules providing for the certification of behavior specialists..."

See the full text of SF 2349 for specific language.


FOR MORE INFORMATION

To create an Iowa Legislature Bill and Code Watch

Iowa Legislature

Autism Votes Iowa

Past post
Friday, January 22, 2010
LEG. NEWS: Iowa - SF1 Autism Insurance bill and January 27, 2010 hearing


© 2010 Regina G. Claypool-Frey
Disclaimer: This blog publishes news and announcements only as a service to interested persons, the posts are the responsibility of the individual author, and unless otherwise noted do not constitute nor claim to represent the official position of ABA International, its officers or associated entities. This blog makes no representation as to the accuracy of the report and readers are strongly encouraged to consult and reference the primary sources noted.

LEG NEWS: Colorado - Bill that would have blocked implementation of autism insurance law killed in committee

On February 4, 2010, a bill in the Colorado General Assembly (HB10-1154)  that would have blocked the July 1, 2010 implementation of of the law mandating health insurance coverage of autism spectrum by passage of 2009 Senate Bill 09-244  was postponed indefinitely in the Colorado House Committee on State, Veterans, & Military Affairs  by a 6-5 vote.

This postponement allows SB 09-244/C.R.S. 10-16-104 to proceed to implementation to cover autism treatment, including applied behavior analysis, on July 1 as originally specified.

Among those reporting as having submitted testimony against HB10-1154 was David Hatfield, Ph.D., BCBA-D, Current Director of the Colorado Coalition of Autism Professionals.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
Colorado Coalition of Autism Professionals (COCAP)

Autism Votes - Colorado - FAQs

Report on events in Colorado from the Four Corners ABA newsletter,volume 1, No.1
Travis Blevins, MS, BCBA and David Hatfield, PH.D., BCBA‐D, Licensed Clinical
Psychologist

Autism Society of Colorado legislation page with information on
2009 SB 09-244: Concerning Health Insurance Benefits for the Treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorders

Autism Votes - Colorado

"Timeout" proposal dies; what next?
Friday, February 5, 2010, 4:47pm MST

© 2010 Regina G. Claypool-Frey
Disclaimer: This blog publishes news and announcements only as a service to interested persons, the posts are the responsibility of the individual author, and unless otherwise noted do not constitute nor claim to represent the official position of ABA International, its officers or associated entities. This blog makes no representation as to the accuracy of the report and readers are strongly encouraged to consult and reference the primary sources noted.

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
Disclaimer: This blog publishes news and announcements only as a service to interested persons, the posts are the responsibility of the individual author, and unless otherwise noted do not constitute nor claim to represent the official position of ABA International, its officers or associated entities. This blog makes no representation as to the accuracy of the report and readers are strongly encouraged to consult and reference the primary sources noted.

LEG. NEWS - Missouri : SS/SB 618 & HCS HB 1311 & 1341 poised for action the week of February 15, 2010; licensing added to the House bill

**Update February 16, 2010 - The Missouri House amended, perfected and passed HCS 1311 & 1341. The House Journal for February 16 notes a number of amendments, some of which affect the portions of the bill referring to the practice of behavior analysis; the bill as perfected and passed will be posted when available from the legislative website**

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The Missouri General Assembly is currently entertaining two bills previously reported on in this blog that would affect the practice and reimbursement of the practice of behavior analysis in Missouri, and the legislative website indicates that action on these could be happening as early as the beginning of this coming week,

Senate Substitute (SS)/SB.618 : Requires health carriers to provide coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorders under certain conditions.
Bill History

SS/SB. 618 is scheduled for a third reading in the Missouri Senate on February 15, 2010. It is stated on the Senate main page that the Senate will convene at 4:00PM.

SS/SB. 618 provides coverage under the age of 21 for applied behavior analysis, with such payments or reimbursements shall be made to either an "autism provider", the person who is supervising an autism service provider, who is certified as a board certified behavior analyst by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board; or the entity or group for whom such supervising person works or is associated.

SS/SB. 618 defines applied behavior analysis, and includes applied behavior analysis in the coverage category of "habilitative or rehabilitative care". It specifies an "Autism service provider" as 'any person, entity, or group that provides diagnostic or treatment services for autism spectrum disorders who is licensed or certified by the state of Missouri; any person who is certified as a board certified behavior analyst by the behavior analyst certification board; or any person, if not licensed or certified, who is supervised by a person who is certified as a board certified behavioral analyst by the Behavioral Analyst Certification Board, whether such board certified behavioral analyst supervises as an individual or as an employee of or in association with an entity or group'..."

See full text of SS/SB, 618 for all definitions and conditions.

and

House Committee Substitute (HCS) HB 1311 & 1341 -- Insurance Coverage for Pervasive Developmental Disorders

The Missouri House of Representatives reports that HCS HB 1311 & 1341 was reported favorably out of the Rules Committee on February 8, 2010 with a "do pass" recommendation and is shown on the House Bill Calendar for February 15, 2010 for "Perfection".

HOUSE BILLS FOR PERFECTION
House Committee Substitute (HCS) for HB 1311 & 1341 Handler: Scharnhorst (093)
Title:PERVASIVE DEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS

A significant inclusion in HCS HB 1311 & 1341 is creation of a "Behavior Analyst Advisory Board", the inclusion of a licensure provision for Licensed Behavior Analysts, Licensed Assistant Behavior Analyst, and definition of a "PDD Service Provider" as a Licensed Behavior Analyst, and "Line Therapist" as a person supervised by a Licensed Behavior Analyst.

HCS HB 1311 & 1341 defines applied behavior analysis and the practice of applied behavior analysis.
It would create a  "Behavior Analyst Advisory Board...under the state committee of psychologists within the division of professional registration. Appointments to this Advisory Board would be made by the Governor upon the recommendations of the director of the division, upon the advice and consent of the senate.

The division, prior to submitting nominations, shall solicit nominees from professional associations and licensed behavior analysts or licensed assistant behavior analysts in the state.

The Behavior Analyst Advisory Board shall consist of the following seven members:

• three licensed behavior analysts, 
• one licensed behavior analyst holding a doctoral degree, 
• one licensed assistant behavior analyst, 
• one professional member of the committee, and 
• one public member."

The Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) is stated explicitly as a certifying entity, although there is provision for an "equivalent nationally accredited nongovernmental agency approved by the committee [of psychologists] which certifies individuals who have completed academic, examination, training, and supervision requirements in applied behavior analysis;"

Authority, duties, term of service, scope of practice and other specifics are found within the full text of HCS HB 1311 & 1341.

HB 1311 & 1341 also addresses insurance coverage for diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorders; defining applied behavior analysis, including it under the category of "habilitative or rehabilitative care", defines a "PDD service provider" as a licensed behavior analyst/LBA and would authorize payment for applied behavior analysis services to a "PDD service provider".
Coverage would extend through age 21 with differential coverage for children through age 9 and a lower amount through 21.

See summary and full text of HCS HB 1311 &1341 for specifics of coverage, implementation and exclusions.

FULL SUMMARY with description of testimony and statements by opponents and proponents.

Among those testifying for the bill were Lorri Unumb, Autism Speaks; Representative Dennis O'Brien, Pennsylvania House of Representatives; Colin Peeler, Ph.D., BCBA, Ronald Ekstrand, Jr.,John M. Guercio, Ph.D., BCBA, CBIST, Missouri Association for Behavior Analysis.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Missouri General Assembly

Missouri Association for Behavior Analysis/MOABA

Autism Votes - Missouri

Show Me Autism Coverage Now

Possible Insurance Coverage for Autism Treatment
KOMO
Published: Friday, February 12, 2010 at 4:29 PM
Last Updated: Friday, February 12, 2010 at 8:05 PM

Previous Blog Posts
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
LEG. NEWS: Missouri autism insurance bills progress in General Assembly with amendments

Friday, January 29, 2010
LEG. NEWS: Missouri SB 618 autism insurance bill goes to Senate floor on February 1, 2010 for "Perfection"

Wednesday, January 27, 2010
LEG NEWS: Missouri SB 618 unanimously passed in Senate Committee, HB 1311 under scrutiny in House Committee

Tuesday, January 19, 2010
LEG NEWS: Missouri Autism Insurance bills heard in committee on Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Friday, December 4, 2009
STATES: Missouri Prefiles Two Autism Insurance Reform Bills

© 2010 Regina G. Claypool-Frey
Disclaimer: This blog publishes news and announcements only as a service to interested persons, the posts are the responsibility of the individual author, and unless otherwise noted do not constitute nor claim to represent the official position of ABA International, its officers or associated entities. This blog makes no representation as to the accuracy of the report and readers are strongly encouraged to consult and reference the primary sources noted.

LEG. NEWS: Maine SP 446/LD 1198 Scheduled for a committee worksession on February 17, 2010

This blog previously reported on Maine SP 446/LD 1198: An Act To Reform Insurance Coverage To Include Diagnosis for Autism Spectrum Disorders, which was carried over from 2009 to the 2010 legislative season. SP 446/LD 1198 defines applied behavior analysis, and includes applied behavior analysis under "habilitative and rehabilitative services"; it does not explicitly state provider, nor does it specify the BACB certification or competencies for delivery of applied behavior analysis service.

The hearing calendar for the Committee on Insurance and Financial Services shows SP 446/LD 1198 as scheduled for another work session on February 17, 2010 at 2PM in Room 427, State House.

The bill has been in committee for some months and since the commencement of the 2010 legislative session but not yet voted out, although work sessions were scheduled on January 12, 19, and February 9, 2010.

For further information & Previous blog post(s)

Maine Legislature Tracking SP 446/LD 1198


Autism Votes - Maine


Friday, January 8, 2010
LEG. NEWS: January 12 hearing on Maine LD 1198: "An Act To Reform Insurance Coverage To Include Diagnosis for Autism Spectrum Disorders"

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Website: Practitioner Issues in Behavior Analysis SIG
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Views and news expressed in this blog or by the PIBA SIG are those of the SIG or SIG members and do not represent official policy of ABA International or other official body. For official policy of the Association of Behavior Analysis International, the reader is directed to their website, http://www.abainternational.org

LEG. NEWS - Virginia autism insurance bills die or stall in committee

**Update February 8, 2010 4:00PM PST - Autism Votes Virginia reports that due to the weather conditions in the East, that the Senate Labor & Commerce Committee Hearing on SB 464 has been rescheduled for February 15, 2010 at 1:30pm **

**Update February 4, 2010 5:57PM PST - There is some ambiguity on HB 303 since earlier news reports were that this bill had been defeated in committee, but Autism Votes Virginia reports that in addition to the abstention there was a non-physically present "yes" vote, which would not kill HB 303 but also not move it from committee. The legislative website note is that the vote was 4-yea, 4-nay, 1 abstention and 1 not voting, 02/02/10  House: Subcommittee failed to recommend reporting (4-Y 4-N).

On a related note, Autism Votes Virginia also reports that SB 464 has been granted a hearing on Monday February 8, 2010 in the Senate Committee on Commerce and Labor. Currently the Committee docket for February 8 is not showing SB 464 this for that date, but the agendas and dockets are subject to change.**

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On February 1 and 2, 2010 three autism insurance bills in the Virginia Legislature were defeated in committee, and one was deferred to the 2011 legislative session. Two bills remain in committee at this time.

H 303 and H 34 died in the House Committee on Commerce and Labor Subcommittee#1. The bills were combined and the proposed annual coverage reduced below the original proposal, and age range for coverage was restricted to ages 2 to 6. Even with these amendments, the vote on H 303 was a 4Y-4 NY tie with one abstention. In Virginia a tie constitutes a defeat; a majority is required for passage.

SB 649 which, besides the insurance clause, would have established a tuition assistance grant program, was defeated in the Senate Commerce and Labor Committee by a 8-N to 7-Y vote.

H 730, also in the House Committee on Commerce and Labor Subcommittee#1, and was restricted to coverage of early intervention was voted by the Committee to defer to 2011.

The remaining bills as noted in the Virgina Legislative tracking system,are H 1367 and S 464 (which is identical to the original H 303) - however at this time neither bill shows progress in their respective committees.
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Past posts
Sunday, January 31, 2010
LEG NEWS: Virginia autism insurance bills up for hearing week of Feb 1, 2010

Media reports
Va. House panel kills autism therapy bill
BusinessWeek
The Associated Press  February 3, 2010, 11:23AM ET

Autism coverage bill killed in Va. House
February 3, 7:24 AMNorfolk Health Care ExaminerEd Lamb

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Website: Practitioner Issues in Behavior Analysis SIG
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Views and news expressed in this blog or by the PIBA SIG are those of the SIG or SIG members and do not represent official policy of ABA International or other official body. For official policy of the Association of Behavior Analysis International, the reader is directed to their website, http://www.abainternational.org

LEG. NEWS: All Mississippi bills addressing behavior analysis and autism insurance die in committee

On Tuesday, February 2, 2010 all of the bills under consideration in the Mississippi Legislature,
the six autism insurance bills [SB 2055, SB 2129, SB 2175, SB 2363, SB2607, HB1496] died in the Senate and House Insurance Committees and are no longer under consideration in the 2010 Mississippi State Legislature.

SB 2457, which would have phased in training of personnel and routine school use of "applied behavior science" for the state's students with ASD, also died without a vote in the  Education; Appropriations Committees.
---------------------------------
Past blog posts:
Thursday, January 28, 2010
LEG. NEWS: Mississippi - Six autism insurance bills in the legislature 

Friday, January 29, 2010
LEG. NEWS: Mississippi - SB2457 would phase in training of personnel and routine school use of "applied behavior science" for students with ASD

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Website: Practitioner Issues in Behavior Analysis SIG
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Views and news expressed in this blog or by the PIBA SIG are those of the SIG or SIG members and do not represent official policy of ABA International or other official body. For official policy of the Association of Behavior Analysis International, the reader is directed to their website, http://www.abainternational.org

LEG. NEWS: Missouri autism insurance bills progress in General Assembly with amendments

On Wednesday, February 3, 2010 two autism insurance bills moved another step forward within the Missouri General Assembly, although both were subject to amendment reducing the amount of annual coverage, with the Senate bill allowing "foreign" health insurance carriers of certain named states to provide health insurance within Missouri with exemption from the mandate. Both bills retained previously included clauses on provision of applied behavior analysis within specified policies, and that BACB certified Board Certified Behavior Analysts were appropriate to supervise delivery of applied behavior analysis, and would meet approval as a provider under the bills. Some concern was voiced on the inability to include Mo Healthnet-Medicaid in the autism insurance legislation.

S.B. 618: Requires health carriers to provide coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorders under certain conditions.
Deliberation on the Senate floor took two days. A Senate Substitute was offered, amended several times and passed, adopted and perfected as SS/SB 618. The most significant change is that the cap amount has been reduced.

H.B. 1311: Requires health carriers issuing or renewing a health benefit plan to provide coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorders
 The progress of HB 1311 was delayed relative to SB 618 SS/SB 618.  It has been reported that H.1311 passed with amendment in an Executive Session of the Special Standing Committee on Insurance today. The legislative website shows that H.B 1311 and H.B. 1341, another autism insurance bill, were referred to Rules - Pursuant to Rule 25(32)(f) (H) , with H.B. 1311 accepted as a substitute for H.B 1341.
At the time of this post no summary copy of the amended H.B. 1311 is available, but media reports state that amendments to H.B. 1311 have substantially reduced the annual coverage requested in the original bill and use a tiered diffential coverage for children <10 years, and 10-21 years. No report was made of whether the BCBA supervisor clause has been changed. H.B. 1311 may come to the floor of the Missouri House for debate as early as next week.

For specfic details and most accurate information on the content of this legislation as it progresses through the Missouri Assembly, the reader is referred to the Missouri General Assembly.

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For more information/Media reports

Autism Votes - Missouri

Missouri General Assembly

Legislators narrow gap on autism bills
Virginia Young
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
02/04/2010

This story has .mp3 files of the Senate deliberation
Senate near passage of autism bill
by Bob Priddy on February 3, 2010

Mo. Senate passes child autism coverage bill
By: The Associated Press | 03 Feb 2010 | 04:46 PM ET

House committee passes autism insurance bill
By Chad Livengood • clivengood@news-leader.com
Inside Missouri Politics Blog
February 3, 2010

Previous post:
Friday, January 29, 2010
LEG. NEWS: Missouri SB 618 autism insurance bill goes to Senate floor on February 1, 2010 for "Perfection"

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Website: Practitioner Issues in Behavior Analysis SIG

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Views and news expressed in this blog or by the PIBA SIG are those of the SIG or SIG members and do not represent official policy of ABA International or other official body. For official policy of the Association of Behavior Analysis International, the reader is directed to their website, http://www.abainternational.org

NEWS: California - District Court decision revives Arce v. Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Inc.

Prefacing note: While this report is being shared as a "news item of interest" as a public event in progress, it seems relevant at this time to state that this report is not taking an editorial position on the legal aspects or allegations of this case nor the specific claimants, nor does this constitute legal interpretation. Please see the court documents for relevant specifics.

On Wednesday, January 27, 2010, a decision authored by Justice Laurie D. Zelon of the Court of Appeals of California, Second District, Division Seven was handed down in California reversing a lower court ruling, and remanding to trial court with directions; this decision allows a previously filed suit to proceed to trial. The suit filed by Arce alleges that an insurer improperly denied applied behavior analysis and speech services as categorical practice and that such denial on the specified basis constitutes violation of California's Mental Health Parity law (AB88: Insurance Code §§10144.5   & Health and Safety Code§1374.72 ). Another aspect of the case in question is the provision of service by providers that are not licensed or state certified. The case in question is ARCE v. KAISER FOUNDATION HEALTH PLAN, INC.

-----------------------------
For more information
2nd Appelate District
updated 1/31/2010 05:05PM
Case information - Arce et al. v. Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Inc. et al.

Decision transcript
From Leagle, inc.
ARCE v. KAISER FOUNDATION HEALTH PLAN, INC.
ANDREW ARCE, a Minor, etc. et al., Plaintiffs and Appellants, v. KAISER FOUNDATION HEALTH PLAN, INC., et al., Defendants and Respondents.
B215861.
Court of Appeals of California, Second District, Division Seven.
Filed January 27, 2010.


CALIFORNIA LAW
Mental Health Parity aka AB 88,
Insurance Code §§10144.5   & Health and Safety Code§1374.72

Other  articles and reports related to ARCE v. KAISER FOUNDATION HEALTH PLAN, INC. and regulation of ABA coverage
C.A. Revives UCL Action Against Kaiser Over Autism Services
By KENNETH OFGANG, Staff Writer
Metropolitan News-Enterprise
Thursday, January 28, 2010

Appeals court allows Arce vs. Kaiser autism class action to proceed
January 30th, 2010 at 1:48 pm
State Regulators Might Require Health Plans To Cover Autism Therapy
Monday, November 16, 2009
California Healthline

Letter dated 2/24/2009 from Consumer Watchdog to Cindy Ehnes, Director ,California Department of Managed Health Care

Applied Behavior Analysis — the Los Angeles lawsuit
Sam Miller, The Orange County Register
August 15th, 2008, 8:11 am

---------------------------------
ABA chapters in/for California
CalABA
Public Policy and Practice page

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Website: Practitioner Issues in Behavior Analysis SIG

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Views and news expressed in this blog or by the PIBA SIG are those of the SIG or SIG members and do not represent official policy of ABA International or other official body. For official policy of the Association of Behavior Analysis International, the reader is directed to their website, http://www.abainternational.org

LEG NEWS: Virginia autism insurance bills up for hearing week of Feb 1, 2010

Three Virginia bills dealing with insurance coverage of autism spectrum disorders that make reference to applied behavior analysis, are listed on the Virginia General Assembly Legislative Information System as receiving committee consideration on Monday, February 1, and Tuesday, February 2, 2010.

A 1/21/10 blogpost on the Virginia measures has been updated to reflect the current slate of autism insurance bills : HB 34,  HB 303 ,  SB 434 and SB 649

The bills stated to be receiving committee consideration this week are

• SB 649 - Monday February 1, 2010,  Senate Committee on Commerce and Labor, Senate Room B, General Assembly Building - 1/2 hour after adjournment. [note: SB 649 has been listed on the Committee docket for February 1, but this committee does not seem to issue an agenda as the House Committee does].

• HB 34, HB 303 - Tuesday February 2, 2010, House Committee on Commerce and Labor Subcommittee #1: immediately upon adjournment of full committee House Room D, General Assembly Building. Note: full committee meets 1/2 hour after adjournment/12:30PM.
  Subcommittee agendas.

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Past posts on Virginia's autism insurance bills

Thursday, January 21, 2010
LEG NEWS: Updated list of Virginia autism insurance bills - Virginia HB 34, HB 303, SB 464 , and SB 649
Virginia HB 303 & SB 464 Insurance Coverage for ASD

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Practitioner Issues in Behavior Analysis SIG
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Views and news expressed in this blog or by the PIBA SIG are those of the SIG or individual SIG member authors and do not represent official policy of ABA International or other official body. For official policy of the Association of Behavior Analysis International, the reader is directed to their website, 

 

LEG. NEWS: Missouri SB 618 autism insurance bill goes to Senate floor on February 1, 2010 for "Perfection"

**Update - Before Perfection of S.618, there was a Senate substitute offered and amendments to the substitute debated before Perfection and ordered printing of the Senate Substitute SS/S618 on Wednesday, February 3, 2010. Please see the post of February 3, 2010 for report on SS/618 and HB1311**
--------------------------------
Missouri SB 618, the Senate autism insurance bill (a similar bill is House bill HB 1311) has a scheduled date of Monday, February 1, 2010 on the Missouri Senate Calendar for "Perfection".

Missouri Senate Calendar
THIRTEENTH DAY--MONDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2010
FORMAL CALENDAR
(After SECOND READING OF SENATE BILLS)

SENATE BILLS FOR PERFECTION
1. SB 618-Rupp, et al
    Requires health carriers to provide coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorders under certain conditions

(In considering the "Perfection" process, bear in mind that SB 618 was unanimously voted out of committee with a do-pass as is recommendation.)

Perfection of a bill

"If a bill is reported favorably out of committee or a substitute is recommended, it is placed on the "perfection calendar" and when its turn comes up for consideration it is debated on the floor of the originating house. If a substitute is recommended by the committee or if committee amendments are attached to the bill, they are first presented, debated and voted upon. Further amendments can then be proposed by other members with their changes designated as House or Senate amendments to differentiate from the committee amendments. When all amendments have been considered, a motion is made to declare the bill perfected. Perfection is usually voted on a voice vote but on the request of five members, a roll call shall be taken. If a majority of members vote to perfect, the bill is reprinted in its original or amended form."

For further information on the legislative progression in Missouri, see
How a Bill Becomes a Law

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Past blog posts on Missouri SB 618

Wednesday, January 27, 2010
LEG NEWS: Missouri SB 618 unanimously passed in Senate Committee, HB 1311 under scrutiny in House Committee
Practitioner Issues in Behavior Analysis SIG blog

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Website: Practitioner Issues in Behavior Analysis SIG
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Views and news expressed in this blog or by the PIBA SIG are those of the SIG or SIG members and do not represent official policy of ABA International or other official body. For official policy of the Association of Behavior Analysis International, the reader is directed to their website, http://www.abainternational.org

LEG. NEWS: Mississippi - Six autism insurance bills in the legislature

Mississippi appears to have no less than six autism insurance bills active in the 2010 legislative season, although two appear to be in effort of defining parity with other neurological coverage for children under the age of 12, and do not refer to treatment in specifics or applied behavior analysis. The remaining four bills do define, and refer to applied behavior analysis under "habilitative and rehabilitative care". One bill, SB 2175, requires the Department of Mental Health to establish standards for qualification and credentialling of "autism service providers" (under which category behavior analysts seem to fall in the language of these bills).

See below for the bill numbers, current status according to the Mississippi State Legislature website, title, references to applied behavior analysis and providers of those services as found in the bill texts, access to the full bill text and status/history.

• SB 2055
  Referred to Senate Insurance Committee1/6/10
  Title: AN ACT TO REQUIRE HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE, INCLUDING COVERAGE UNDER THE STATE AND SCHOOL EMPLOYEES HEALTH INSURANCE PLAN, FOR AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS; TO DEFINE "AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER" AS AN AUTISTIC DISORDER, ASPERGER'S SYNDROME, OR PERVASIVE DEVELOPMENTAL DISORDER NOT OTHERWISE SPECIFIED; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

Applied behavior analysis defined, coverage for applied behavior analysis under category of "Habilitative or rehabilitative care" - "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."
Provider of applied behavior analysis services not specified, nor the competencies of the Behavior Analyst Certification Board. An "Autism services provider" is specified as "any person, entity or group that provides treatment of autism spectrum disorders"

• SB 2129
  Referred to Senate Insurance Committee1/6/10
  Title: AN ACT TO REQUIRE HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE, INCLUDING COVERAGE UNDER THE STATE AND SCHOOL EMPLOYEES HEALTH INSURANCE PLAN, FOR AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS; TO DEFINE "AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER" AS AN AUTISTIC DISORDER, ASPERGER'S SYNDROME, OR PERVASIVE DEVELOPMENTAL DISORDER NOT OTHERWISE SPECIFIED; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

Applied behavior analysis defined, coverage for applied behavior analysis under category of "Habilitative or rehabilitative care" - "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."
Provider of applied behavior analysis services not specified, nor the competencies of the Behavior Analyst Certification Board. An "Autism services provider" is specified as "any person, entity or group that provides treatment of autism spectrum disorders"

• SB 2175
  Referred to Senate Insurance Committee 1/6/10
  Title: AN ACT TO REQUIRE ALL HEALTH INSURANCE POLICIES TO PROVIDE COVERAGE FOR THE DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS IN INDIVIDUALS LESS THAN 21 YEARS OF AGE; TO PROVIDE THAT COVERAGE SHALL BE SUBJECT TO A CERTAIN MAXIMUM BENEFIT PER YEAR; TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH TO ESTABLISH STANDARDS TO BE UTILIZED BY MANAGED CARE PLANS FOR THE CREDENTIALING OF AUTISM SERVICE PROVIDERS; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

Applied behavior analysis defined, coverage for applied behavior analysis under category of "Habilitative or rehabilitative care" - "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."
Provider of applied behavior analysis services not specified, nor the competencies of the Behavior Analyst Certification Board. An "Autism services provider" is specified as "any person, entity or group that provides treatment of autism spectrum disorders" AND, "any care for individuals with autism spectrum disorders that is determined by the Department of Mental Health, based upon its review of best practices or evidence-based research that is medically necessary and that is properly promulgated under regulations establishing standards for qualified autism services providers.  Once the regulations are promulgated, payment for the treatment of autism spectrum disorders covered under this section shall only be made to autism services providers who meet the standards."

• SB 2363
  Referred to Senate Insurance Committee 1/11/2010
  Title: AN ACT TO REQUIRE HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS; TO DEFINE "AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER" AS AN AUTISTIC DISORDER, ASPERGER'S SYNDROME, OR PERVASIVE DEVELOPMENTAL DISORDER NOT OTHERWISE SPECIFIED; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

Applied behavior analysis defined, coverage for applied behavior analysis under category of "Habilitative or rehabilitative care" - "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."
Provider of applied behavior analysis services not specified, nor the competencies of the Behavior Analyst Certification Board. An "Autism services provider" is specified as "any person, entity or group that provides treatment of autism spectrum disorders".

• SB2607
  Referred to Senate Insurance Committee 1/14/10
  AN ACT TO REQUIRE HEALTH INSURANCE POLICIES THAT PROVIDE 1 BENEFITS FOR NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS TO PROVIDE COVERAGE FOR THE 2 TREATMENT OF AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

Appears to be a bill to require coverage for autism on par with coverage for other neurological disorders.
ABA not specified. Practitioner not specified
Same language as HB 1496.

• HB 1496
  Referred to House Insurance Committee 1/18/10
  AN ACT TO REQUIRE HEALTH INSURANCE POLICIES THAT PROVIDE 1 BENEFITS FOR NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS TO PROVIDE COVERAGE FOR THE 2 TREATMENT OF AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

Appears to be a bill to require coverage for autism on par with coverage for other neurological disorders.ABA not specified. Practitioner not specified.
Same language as SB 2607.
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For more information/related
Autism Votes - Mississippi

Mississippi State Legislature

Caring for Mississippi Children and Families with Autism
Task Force Report December 2007
p. 26, "...Private Insurance Reform

"...Nationally, there are very few private insurance companies or other employee benefit plans that cover behavioral and other needed therapies. Most insurance companies designate autism as a diagnostic exclusion, “meaning that any services rendered explicitly for the treatment of autism are not covered by the plan, even if those services would be covered if used to treat a different condition.” A 2002 study by Pamela B. Peele and others of 128 behavioral health plans administered by one of two large managed behavioral health organizations found that all the plans had some type of limit on benefits for behavioral therapies – over half of the plans had limits on the number of annual outpatient sessions and 65 percent of the plans imposed limits on the number of inpatient days covered per year. As noted through out this report, parents report that most Mississippi ’s children with ASD are denied coverage outright or their treatment for any specific autism condition is automatically excluded. Parents can often spend upwards of $50,000 per year on autism-related therapies, often being forced to venture their own futures and the futures of their non-autistic children to pay for vital autism-related therapies. Children whose parents cannot afford to pay for behavioral and other therapies simply go without these interventions. Sadly, the progress these children will make is usually quite limited.
The Mississippi Legislature should enact, and the Governor of Mississippi should sign into law, legislation modeled after South Carolina's Ryan's Law. South Carolina ’s legislation, was passed by both the South Carolina House of Representatives and Senate on May 31, 2007. The bill was then vetoed by Governor Mark Sanford on June 6. On June 7, the bill was brought back to the House and Senate floors, and unanimous votes in both chambers overrode the Governor's veto. This law goes into effect in July 2008. The legislation provides:
-Treatments, including behavioral therapies, which are prescribed by the individual’s
treating medical doctor in accordance with a treatment plan;
-An individual must be diagnosed with autistic spectrum disorder at age eight or
younger. The coverage must be provided to any eligible person less than sixteen
years of age; and
-Coverage for behavioral therapy is subject to a $50,000 maximum benefit per year..."

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Website: Practitioner Issues in Behavior Analysis SIG
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Views and news expressed in this blog or by the PIBA SIG are those of the SIG or SIG members and do not represent official policy of ABA International or other official body. For official policy of the Association of Behavior Analysis International, the reader is directed to their website, http://www.abainternational.org

LEG NEWS: Missouri SB 618 unanimously passed in Senate Committee, HB 1311 under scrutiny in House Committee

On Tuesday,  January 26, 2010 Missouri Senate Bill,

• "SB 618      Requires health carriers to provide coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorders under certain conditions"

passed unanimously by bipartisan vote without amendment and with a do-pass recommendation  in the Senate Small Business, Insurance and Industry Committee. The positions SB 618 to come to the Missouri Senate floor.

SB 618 [full text] defines applied behavior analysis, specifies applied behavior analysis as a covered treatment, and includes Board Certified Behavior Analysts as "Autism service providers", and  specifies Board Certified Behavior Analysts, either in independent practice or as an employee of an agency, as appropriate supervisor for those who are neither certified nor licensed by the state of Missouri.

The similar House bill,

• "HB 1311 Provides health insurance coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorder "

was studied on January 26 in a work session (no public testimony) of the House Special Standing Committee on Health Insurance and proposals for amendment to this bill, including reducing the annual coverage for applied behavior analytic services and an exemption for small businesses with fewer than 25 employees were discussed. The Missouri legislative website shows that another work session (no public testimony) on HB 1311 is scheduled for Wednesday, January 27, 2010, 4:00pm, Hearing Room 5.

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For more info, news stories and past blog posts
Autism Votes Missouri



Missouri edges closer to autism insurance reform
L Mae Wilkinson
January 26, 9:37 PMSt. Louis Autism & Parenting Examiner

Autism bill advances in Senate, studied in House
01.26.2010 3:19 pm
By Virginia Young
Post-Dispatch Jefferson City Bureau
Political Fix, stltoday.com

Autism coverage bill clears Missouri Senate commitee
Tuesday, January 26, 2010 | 8:09 p.m. CST
BY Brian Krebs, Missourian

Legislative links page for the Missouri Association for Behavior Analysis (MOABA)
Note: the current legislation listed is the mandate bills from the previous 2009 session, but shows that MOABA has tracked these events in the past. This page also has a 2007 powerpoint of MOABA testimony about applied behavior analysis before Missouri's Blue Ribbon Panel on autism.

Missouri General Assemby


Tuesday, January 19, 2010
LEG NEWS: Missouri Autism Insurance bills heard in committee on Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Practitioner Issues in Behavior Analysis SIG blog
 
Friday, December 4, 2009
STATES: Missouri Prefiles Two Autism Insurance Reform Bills
Practitioner Issues in Behavior Analysis SIG blog

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Website: Practitioner Issues in Behavior Analysis SIG
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Views and news expressed in this blog or by the PIBA SIG are those of the SIG or SIG members and do not represent official policy of ABA International or other official body. For official policy of the Association of Behavior Analysis International, the reader is directed to their website, http://www.abainternational.org

LEG. NEWS: Georgia - SB 161 Autism Insurance bill recommitted by Georgia Senate

In the 2009 Georgia legislative session, two autism insurance bills named "Ava's Law", aka SB 161 and HB 426 stalled and failed to progress to votes on the floor. At this time is unclear whether HB 426 will be recommitted in the 2010 session but,

SB 161 (Ava's Law): A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Code Section 33-24-59.10 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to insurance coverage for autism, so as to require certain insurance coverage of autism spectrum disorders; to provide for definitions; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.
which was introduced in 2009 and Tabled in March of 2009 has been removed from the Table and recommitted by the Georgia Senate on 1/11/10

Brief History
Introduced in 2009
03/12/2009    Senate Tabled
01/11/2010    Senate Taken from Table
01/11/2010    Senate Recommitted
In Senate Committee on Insurance and Labor (I&L)

SB 161 [As introduced LC 37 0853]
has been subject to committee substitute and considerable amendment, but it seems that the bill still retains reference to applied behavior analysis, in re:

Committee sub LC 33 3069S
Retains definition of applied behavior analysis, and definition of "habilitative and rehabilitative care" to mean behavioral interventions and related services...and treatment programs including applied behavior analysis and other structured behavioral programs provided by a licensed psychiatrist, licensed psychologist, licensed clinical social worker, licensed behavioral therapist, certified behavioral analyst, or other qualified professional as prescribed by a licensed physician, licensed physician's assistant, or certified nurse practitioner.

Floor amend 1 AM 37 0067 which appears to have substantially amended the bill by striking lines and making subbstitutions in lieu of that language,

(3) 'Behavioral therapy' means discrete trial training, pivotal response training, verbal behavior intervention, and early intensive behavioral intervention.
...Coverage shall be provided for behavioral therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy when such therapies are prescribed in accordance with the treatment plan...
For purposes of this Code section, behavioral therapy shall be considered to be a medical benefit as opposed to a mental health benefit.

Floor amend 1a

Amend amendment #1 (AM 37 0067) to SB 161 by adding on line 27 after "behavioral" the following: "or developmental"

Most recent floor amendment,
Floor amend 2 AM 33 0774
is related to type of policy.

Please see legislative website and the specific amendments and substitutes for exact language.
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For further info
Autism Votes - Georgia

Ava's Law - Georgia Autism Insurance Mandate Facebook page

Georgia General Assembly

ABAI Chapters in/serving Georgia
Georgia Association for Behavior Analysis (GABA)

Related - in GABA newsletter -
"Georgia Improves Options for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities"
Clint Trusty, MS, BCBA
GABA Newsletter, Volume 3 Number 1
Summer 2009
&
Georgia Department of Behavioral health and Developmental Disabilities

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Practitioner Issues in Behavior Analysis SIG
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Views and news expressed in this blog or by the PIBA SIG are those of the SIG or individual SIG member authors and do not represent official policy of ABA International or other official body. For official policy of the Association of Behavior Analysis International, the reader is directed to their website, 

LEG. NEWS: New York - A full roster of autism insurance coverage legislation

The New York State Assembly has a VERY full roster of legislation proposing coverages for, and related to, autism diagnosis and treatment. This is in addition to the previously reported on NY S.3676 for establishing qualification standards for autism service providers for those 21 years or younger, including state recognition of the BACB Certifications and conditions of reimbursement and other clauses.

The insurance bills are (reported in approximate numerical order),

• S 385       Health Insurers (Morahan)
  Same as A 2759
  Introduced in 2009.
  01/06/2010 Referred to Insurance
  [text]
  

• A 2759 Autism and Health Insurers To Provide Full Coverage (Rivera)
  Same as S 385
  Introduced in 2009.
  01/06/2010 Referred to Insurance
  [text]
  

S 385 and A 2759

"Requires health insurers to provide full coverage for the prevention, early detection, diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorder, establishes an advisory panel on health insurance coverage for autism spectrum disorder to annually compile a list of treatments and therapy options for which health insurers will be required to provide coverage, establishes a toll-free, 24 hour a day, autism and health insurance coverage hotline."

S 385 and A 2759 do not specify or define applied behavior analysis nor providers nor competencies. Creates an advisory panel to determine on an annual basis a list of "successful treatment and therapy options" that will be required to be covered under the conditions of the bill.
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• S 1175 Required Health Insurance Coverage For Autism Spectrum (Huntley)
  Introduced in 2009
  01/06/2010 Referred to Insurance
  01/20/2010 Recommit, enacting clause stricken
  [text]
  

Although it is stated that there is no "same as" bill, this is very similar, if not identical to,

• A 3332 An act to amend the insurance law, in relation to requiring health insurance coverage of the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorders in persons under twenty-one years of age (Ball)
  Introduced in 2009.
  Carry over to House Insurance Committee 1/6/2010
  [text]
  

Applied behavior analysis is not defined in S.1175 or A 3332, but is categorized explicitly under "therapeutic care, including behavioral, speech, occupational and physical therapies that provide treatment in the following areas..4. Applied behavior analysis, intervention and modification,..."

Provider or competencies of provider of applied behavior analysis unspecified, although there is reference to "a provider of treatment for autism spectrum disorders".
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• S 2366-A Autism Spectrum Disorders (Fuschillo)
  Same as A6001-A
  Introduced in 2009
  10/09/2009 AMEND and recommit to insurance
  10/09/2009 Print A236A
  1/6/2010 Referred to insurance
  [text]
  Endorsed by Autism Speaks
  

• A 6001-A     Relates to autism spectrum disorders (Weisenberg)
  Same as S2366A
  Introduced in 2009
  10/13/2009 amend and recommit to insurance
  10/13/2009 print number 6001a
  [text]
  Endorsed by Autism Speaks

"Relates to autism spectrum disorders in individuals twenty-one years or less; directs the department of health to promulgate rules and regulations establishing standards for qualified autism services providers and upon such promulgation, payment for treatment of autism spectrum disorders covered shall only be made available to autism services providers who meet such standards; further directs the department of health shall further establish standards to be utilized by managed care plans for the credentialing of autism service providers and authorizes that the department of insurance may require that a managed care plan grant credentials to any autism service provider whom the department determines meets or exceeds the department's credentialing standards."

S 2366-A and A6001-A define Applied behavior analysis, and coverage is specified under "habilitative or rehabilitative care". Provider of applied behavior analysis services not specified nor the competencies of the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). An "Autism Services Provider" is identified as "any person, entity, or group that provides treatment of autism spectrum disorders". These bills have been endorsed by Autism Speaks.
--------------------------------------------

• S 6123 Expands required health insurance coverage for the treatment and diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders (Huntley)
  Same as A 6888-B
  Introduced in 2009
  08/10/2009 Referred to Rules
  01/06/2010 Referred to Insurance
  [text]
  

• A 6888-B     Expands required health insurance coverage for the treatment and diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders (Koon)
  Same as S 6123
  Introduced in 2009
  03/13/2009 referred to insurance
  06/12/2009 amend and recommit to insurance
  06/12/2009 print number 6888a
  08/07/2009 amend (t) and recommit to insurance
  08/07/2009 print number 6888b
  01/06/2010 referred to insurance
  [text]
  

Applied behavior analysis is not defined in S. 6123 or A. 6888-B; it is included under "therapeutic care" as "applied behavior analysis, intervention and modification". Providers of behavior analytic intervention not defined, nor are the competencies of the BACB specified. There is reference to a "provider of treatment" and a mechanism for a coverage provider to refer to a specialist or nonparticipating provider with appropriate training and experience.

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For more information:
Autism Votes - New York
Currently specific to S2366 and A6001/Endorsed by Autism Speaks

New York State Assembly

Related: ABAI chapters in/that serve New York
New York State Association for Behavior Analysis (NYSABA)

Past related blog post:
Monday, January 25, 2010
Practitioner Issues in Behavior Analysis SIG blog
LEG. NEWS: New York S. 3676 Defines the practice of behavior analysis and recognizes the Behavior Analysis Certification Board competencies

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Practitioner Issues in Behavior Analysis SIG
-----------
Views and news expressed in this blog or by the PIBA SIG are those of the SIG or individual SIG member authors and do not represent official policy of ABA International or other official body. For official policy of the Association of Behavior Analysis International, the reader is directed to their website,