Thursday, June 4, 2009

NEWS: Committee challenges HHS request for disease-specific funding

Committee challenges HHS request for disease-specific funding

By REBECCA NEAL
FederalTimes.com
June 03, 2009
"The chairman of the House Appropriations Committee is challenging the Obama administration’s 2010 budget request that funding be directed to cancer and autism research.
The committee won’t support what amounts to an earmark and opens science up for political debate, Chairman David Obey told Health and Human Services Department Secretary Kathleen Sebelius on Tuesday [June 2, 2009]..."
FULL ARTICLE

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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 and 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,

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

NEWS: Federal H.R. 2531 Mental Health in the Schools Act of 2009 introduced

Story from the Bazelon Center, with links added.

See the previous post on this bill and The Judge David L. Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law, aka, the Bazelon Center

Mental Health in the Schools Act

Representative Grace Napolitano (D-CA) and Tim Murphy (R-PA) [on May 20, 2009] re-introduced the Mental Health in the Schools Act of 2009 (H.R. 2531) to expand school-based mental health services for children in K-12. The two co-chairs of the Congressional Mental Health Caucus, in their “Dear Colleague” letter on the bill, highlighted how the bill would expand essential services.
It:
  • Revises, increases funding for, and expands the scope of the Safe Schools-Healthy Students program to provide access to more comprehensive school-based mental health services and supports;
  • Authorizes competitive grants to local school districts to assist them in implementing effective mental health programs for students (K-12), administered by state licensed or certified mental health professionals
  • Provides for comprehensive, culturally and linguistically appropriate, staff development for school and community service personnel working in the school to identify and support students in need of immediate mental health care and those at-risk for behavioral mental health disorders, allowing teachers to concentrate on teaching;
  • Promotes positive mental health education and support for parents, siblings, and other family members of children with mental health disorders, as well as concerned members of the community;
  • Requires schools to thoroughly document measures of outcome and demonstrate the actions they are taking to continue sustaining the program independently of grant funds.
Most recently, on May 7, Reps. Napolitano and Murphy shared remarks on the bill, alongside actress Goldie Hawn, at a legislative briefing on school mental health services sponsored by the Bazelon Center, NAMI, Mental Health America and the National Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health (see http://www.bazelon. org/issues/ children/ positive_ behavioral_ support.htm).
The bill has been referred to the House Energy and Commerce Committee.
For more information visit: http://www.bazelon.org

Fair Use Policy
"Please feel free to forward our alerts as long as you credit the Bazelon Center with a link to our website: http://www.bazelon.org "

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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 and 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,

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

NEWS: Federal bill HR 2597: Positive Behavior for Safe and Effective Schools Act of 2009 introduced

From the June 1, 2009 edition of the Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD)

Legislative News in Brief:,with annotation and links added.

Positive Behavior Supports

Rep. Phil Hare [on 5/21/09] introduced the
Positive Behavior for Safe and Effective Schools Act of 2009 (H.R. 2597).

The bill makes modest amendments to the Elementary and Secondary Education Act to foster the use of school wide positive behavior supports (SWPBS) in schools across the country. It also supports training of teachers, provides for technical assistance, research and related school reform activities that help improve the overall school environment.

Additionally, the legislation would establish a new office within the Department of Education that would help coordinate and administer activities assisting specialized instructional support personnel who provide a critical role in the link between social and academic outcomes for students. AUCD signed onto a coalition letter to Rep. Hare in support of the bill. It is hoped that the issue of improper use of restraints and seclusion in schools brought to light in a recent hearing and through a GAO report, will provide the impetus to help move this bill quickly.

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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 and 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: Comments by Education Secretary Arne Duncan on the use of restraint & seclusion in public schools

The Obama Administration's Education Agenda:
Education Secretary Arne Duncan on Seclusion & Restraint, May 20, 2009 http://edlabor.house.gov

Link to YouTube video of Secretary Duncan:



Follow up to the House Committee for Education and Labor hearing on deadly and abusive use of restraint and seclusion in public schools.
GAO report: Seclusions and Restraints: Selected Cases of Death and Abuse at Public and Private Schools and Treatment Centers GAO-09-719T, May 19, 2009
See previous post on the hearing and other references related to inappropriate use of restraint and seclusion on children, esp. those children with disabilities, in public schools.

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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 and 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

Monday, June 1, 2009

NEWS: Huffington Post article on the Autism Treatment Acceleration Act: U.S. S.819 & H.R. 2413

The Autism Treatment Acceleration Act and the Autism Sandbox
Shelley Hendrix Reynolds
Posted: May 31, 2009 06:40 PM
Huffington Post

Please read the full article, but I want to highlight some cogent clauses made by Ms. Reynolds,

"...Despite dutifully paying premiums to insure against the unthinkable that their child could be diagnosed with a disease or disorder, most parents of children with autism cannot get appropriate coverage to treat their child's medical conditions. Not because these parents didn't act responsibly and do their part but because insurance did not do their part...

Why should you care about their plight as an average tax paying citizen without a child with autism? It directly affects your own checking account...

No one would dream of treating a child with a life threatening illness at any less than what the doctor recommends. No one would ever expect that the public education system to be responsible for curing that disease and yet, insurance companies do just that...shirk their accountability to the education system instead of providing children with appropriate coverage when they are toddlers making them more likely to be mainstreamed into a regular education setting. Providing access to these treatments saves tax payer's dollars, creates new job markets and most importantly, gives these children an opportunity to become tax payers themselves one day with independent lives via a fiscally responsible solution to a growing societal issue..."
See the full article at the Huffington Post

and for more information and TO ACT on the Autism Treatment Acceleration Act(s), see Autismvotes.

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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 and 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,

FYI: The Bazelon Center Mental Health Policy Reporter

The Judge David L. Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law, aka, the Bazelon Center, does a good job of tracking and advocating on matters related to mental health policy. Below is information on the most recent issue of their policy newsletter. You can sign up for your own subscription at the Bazelon Center website: http://www.bazelon.org

FYI: latest issue of the Bazelon Center Mental Health Policy Reporter

(see online or sign-up for your own email subscription)
Volume VIII, No. 4, May 27, 2009

Schools and Mental Health Lead Legislative Agenda

Focus on Supreme Court Nomination Dominates News

Articles:

Newsbytes

  • HHS Makes $75 Million Available to States to Expand Health Insurance Coverage
  • Congressional Briefing n People with Serious Mental Illnesses in Jails
http://bazelon.org
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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 and 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,

Sunday, May 31, 2009

NEWS: Texas Legislature Passes Expansion Of Insurance Coverage for Texas Children with Autism

F O R I M M E D I A T E R E L E A S E

Texas Legislature Passes Expansion Of Insurance Coverage for Texas Children with Autism
Effective Date: May 31, 2009
Contact: Mike Bernoski, Executive Director
512-402-5842 Phone;
media@texasautismadvocacy.org

Austin, Texas – The Texas legislature showed their support today for families by passing a measure to expand the age of mandatory insurance coverage for children with autism from the time of diagnosis to the 10th birthday. HB 451 expands on the existing law passed in 2007 which requires coverage for generally recognized autism services, including Applied Behavior Analysis. Parents of children with autism spectrum disorder celebrated today and are urging the Governor [Perry] to sign this bill into law.
“It is hard to appreciate how much effort on the part of so many goes into passing a bill of this nature,” said Mike Bernoski, Executive Director of Texas Autism Advocacy. “The broad bipartisan support shows that Republicans and Democrats alike understand this is a family issue, and it moves Texas a significant step forward in its response to the growing crisis of autism.”
This is Texas Autism Advocacy’s second successful push to secure better insurance coverage for children with autism.

This legislation, authored by representatives Dr. Alma Allen (D-Houston), Eddie Lucio III (D-Brownsville) , and Senfronia Thompson (D-Houston), and carried in the Senate by Sen. Eddie Lucio Jr (D-Brownsville) , author of the existing law which has been in effect since January 1, 2008, was a welcome relief to parents whose children were excluded by the first law because they were either too old or too young or the child of a teacher.

Taxpayers have something to cheer about as well. By expanding the number of children covered, the bill will triple the existing law’s $1.35 billion in lifetime savings to a projected $4.06 billion over the next 50 years.
“One in 150 children is diagnosed with autism. If we do not take care of our children now, we as Texans will suffer later,” Rep. Allen explained. “This bill will help the hardest working in Texas - those that deal with the challenges of raising a child with autism.”

“Early intervention has proven to be able to turn a child’s life completely around,” commented Senator Eddie Lucio Jr., “Now that we have a better understanding of the associated costs and benefits it is time to take the next step".
The Texas bill remains the only state insurance reform that has no dollar caps on the stipulated coverage which includes diagnostic testing, speech, OT, PT, as well as medical and behavior therapies.

Parents and teachers are eager for Governor Perry to sign the bill into law. This bill does not affect ERISA, Medicaid, or CHIP plans, however efforts are underway to address these plans as well.

To learn more about legislation and other initiatives, please visit www.texasautismadvocacy.org.

Texas Autism Advocacy’s mission: To seek to create systemic change by identifying practical solutions that will positively affect the lives of people affected by Autism Spectrum Disorders.

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--"Don't mess with Texas". Congratulations.--

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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 and 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,

ACTION Federal: The Autism Treatment Acceleration Act(s) of 2009

Recently, Autismvotes put out a shout out for action on the U.S. Senate and House versions of the Autism Treatment Acceleration Acts of 2009 (See below for status of the Resolutions and the text), and this is a reminder to any interested that to progress this Congressional session, these (and any other bills of interest) need phone calls, emails, and, if it can be done, visits to state delegations either in D.C., or in the district offices. Both resolutions allow expansion of ERISA, allow for evidenced treatments for autism, including behavior analytic, and support grants and pilot programs for coordination and expansion of transition and adult services.

Some "how to kits" for advocacy, which can be used for any policy issue or legislative matter:

Legistlative Advocacy Handbook from the ABA-I Governmental Affairs Committee

Legistlative Advocacy PowerPoint from the ABA-I Governmental Affairs Committee

And a resource not produced by ABA-I, but another good general guide to advocating at the Federal level,
A Psychologists Guide to Participation in Federal Advocacy Process; Abridged version.
The original text for this guide was written by Barbara J. Calkins and revised by the APA Public Policy Office in 1995.
[This is a pretty general run-down on the legislative process and how to advocate, so much of the information can be applicable to anyone and not just Psychologists]

About the Resolutions, from thomas.gov

[111st] S.819 : A bill to provide for enhanced treatment, support, services, and research for individuals with autism spectrum disorders and their families.
Sponsor: Sen Durbin, Richard [IL] (introduced 4/2/2009) Cosponsors (10)
Committees: Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions
Latest Major Action: 4/2/2009 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

and

[111st] H.R.2413 : To provide for enhanced treatment, support, services, and research for individuals with autism spectrum disorders and their families.
Sponsor: Rep Doyle, Michael F. [PA-14] (introduced 5/14/2009) Cosponsors (3)
Committees: House Energy and Commerce; House Education and Labor; House Oversight and Government Reform; House Armed Services
Latest Major Action: 5/14/2009 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Education and Labor, Oversight and Government Reform, and Armed Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

Please see this page at Autismvotes to see summaries and bullet points on the legislation.

Thanks for taking action.

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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 and 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,

FYI: Ends June 5 - Public comment on APA Revision of the Model Act for State Licensure

If you haven't already done so and would like to submit comment for American Psychological Association (APA) request for public comment on their Revision of the Model Act for State Licensure, the deadline for such submission is June 5, 2009.

Revision of the Model Act for State Licensure

Frequently Asked Questions about the revision of APA’s Model Act for State Licensure of Psychologists

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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 and 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,

FYI: April 2009 report on proposed changes to PDD category in upcoming DSM-V

Just a heads-up on some of the changes being discussed for the DSM-V, in re: the Pervasive Developmental Disorders. The workgroup plans to run Requests for Information from professional and lay communities. FWIW, the release of the final, approved DSM-V is expected in May 2012, so the final product is several years down the road.
Report of the DSM-V Neurodevelopmental Disorders Work Group
April 2009
Susan Swedo, M.D.

The Neurodevelopmental Disorders Workgroup met in Arlington VA on April 21-22 [2009] and discussed the following recommendations for potential changes to DSM-V diagnostic criteria. No final decisions have been made about the changes and feedback will be sought from professional and lay communities before the Workgroup finalizes their recommendations.

PERVASIVE DEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS (PDD)

1) The Workgroup is considering a change in DSM-V that would replace the Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD) category with the title “Autism Spectrum Disorders” (ASD). The change would utilize a single diagnosis for the disorders currently entitled: Autism, PDD-NOS and Asperger disorder. Several factors support making this change: ..."

FULL ARTICLE
http://www.psych.org/MainMenu/Research/DSMIV/DSMV/DSMRevisionActivities/DSM-V-Work-Group-Reports/Neurodevelopmental-Disorders-Work-Group-Report.aspx

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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 and 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,

NEWS: What's going on in Wisconsin

An FYI on what's going on in Wisconsin
Post from the parent blog, Elvis Sighting: Life with Joy, Her Family & Her Autism
Friday, May 29, 2009
WI Autism Insurance - Excellent News!
Insurance coverage for autism in the state of Wisconsin moved a big step closer to becoming a reality last night...
Skimmingthe clauses in AB 75/Motion 700
See clause 25., "Coverage of Autism Services", which notes providers, and
"...Require the Commissioner to, by rule, define "paraprofessional" and "qualified" for the putposes of providing services under the provisions of this motion...",
which on read seems to say that BACB certificants , equivalent, or other as determined, would potentially fall under the category of supervised paraprofessionals, depending on the decision-making by the Commissioner in establishing regulation.

As Yogi Berra said, it ain't over til the fat lady sings, or in this case mid-June which is the deadline to finalize the budget, but this move to attach the insurance reform language to the budget bill seems to have revived hope of obtaining insurance coverage of autism and behavioral interventions in Wisconsin.

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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 and 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,