Tuesday, January 19, 2010

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

**Update 3: 1/21/2010**
Some video from Missouri news further discussing the legislation, and applied behavior analysis in particular,

By KSPR News
Story Created: Jan 19, 2010 at 4:51 PM CST; Story Updated: Jan 20, 2010 at 10:12 PM CST
There may be a brief Ad before video starts




Update 2: 1/19/10 11:40PM PST:
News story updates on the hearings conducted January 19.**

Capitol hears testimony for autism bill
By Kermit Miller
Connectmidmissouri.com
Tuesday, January 19, 2010 at 6:39 p.m.

Missouri lawmakers start debate on requiring coverage for autism spectrum disorders
By JASON NOBLE
The Star’s Jefferson City correspondent
Posted on Tue, Jan. 19, 2010 10:35 PM

Autism coverage gains momentum in Missouri Legislature
By Virginia Young
POST-DISPATCH JEFFERSON CITY BUREAU
01/20/2010

**Update 1: Article giving quick summary of HB 1311 and SB 618 added under "For More Information"**

Autism Votes has a posting that two Missouri autism insurance reform bills including coverage of applied behavior analysis and Behavior Analysis Certification Board (BACB) certificants, were heard today in committee hearings.



For more information

Autism Votes Missouri

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

Friday, December 4, 2009
STATES: Missouri Prefiles Two Autism Insurance Reform Bills
Practitioner Issues in Behavior Analysis SIG blog

01.18.2010 4:19 pm
Autism insurance gets early hearings in Mo. Legislature
By Virginia Young
Thanks to Corrine Donley, Ph.D. for pointing out this news item.


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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

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Friday, January 15, 2010

ANNOUNCE: Tuesday, Jan 19, 2010 Meeting of the IACC to Review Annual Update of the IACC Strategic Plan for Autism Spectrum Disorders Research

The Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC), the committee coordinating all efforts within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) concerning autism spectrum disorder (ASD). will be holding a Full Committee Meeting  on Tuesday, January 19, 2010 from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM ET at the William H. Natcher Conference Center,  NIH Campus, in Bethesda, MD.

Comments can be submitted to the meeting even if you do not plan to attend in person, to
Ms. Lina Perez
Office of Autism Research Coordination
National Institute of Mental Health, NIH
6001 Executive Boulevard, NSC
Room 8185a
Rockville, MD 20892-9669
Phone: 301-443-6040
E-mail: IACCPublicInquiries@mail.nih.gov

The purpose of the IACC meeting is to discuss and vote on recommendations for the annual update of the IACC Strategic Plan for Autism Spectrum Disorders Research .  The meeting will also include a presentation on epigenetics and autism by Dr. Andrew Feinberg of Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.

The meeting will be open to the public and pre-registration is recommended. Seating will be limited to the room capacity and seats will be on a first come, first served basis, with expedited check-in for those who are pre-registered.  The meeting will be remotely accessible by videocast  and conference call*.  Members of the public who participate using the conference call phone number will be able to listen to the meeting, but will not be heard.

* To access the conference call:
USA/Canada Phone Number: 888-577-8995
Access code: 1991506

Individuals who participate using this service and who need special assistance, such as captioning of the conference call or other reasonable accommodations, should submit a request to the contact person listed above at least seven days prior to the meeting.  If you experience any technical problems with the conference call, please-mail IACCTechSupport@acclaroresearch.com

The latest information about the meeting can be found here.

For more information on this meeting, or the IACC

The IACC also can now be found on Twitter (www.twitter.com/IACC_Autism).

The meeting may end prior to or after 5:00 PM AT, depending on the needs of the committee.
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All blog posts on the IACC and previous meetings

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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
 
 
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Thursday, January 14, 2010

LEG. NEWS: Kentucky - Bill Introduced to Establish Licensure of Behavior Analysts

The Kentucky Legislature is currently entertaining the bill HB 159 (Greer and co-sponsors)

(Prefiled by the sponsor(s).)
Jan 5, 2010- introduced in House; to House Standing Committee Banking & Insurance Committee.
Jan 11, 2010: Sent to the House Standing Committee on Local Government

"AN ACT relating to behavioral disorders.
     Create new sections of KRS Chapter 319 to define terms relating to the practice of applied behavior analysis and licensure by the Kentucky Board of Examiners of Psychology; authorize the Board of Examiners of Psychology to promulgate administrative regulations relating to licensure of behavior analysts and assistant behavior analysts and to appoint two (2) behavior analysts to advise the board on matters relating to regulation and licensure of behavior analysts; require licensure to practice applied behavior analysis in the state, to establish licensure requirements, and to prohibit the practice of applied behavior analysis in the state without a license;..." [continued]

FULL TEXT of HB 159

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Reference and related posts

Kentucky Legislature

Kentucky Daily Legislative Calender
Calendar phone line (800) 633-9650

**Added 1/20/10**
Opinion & Declaratory ruling
Kentucky Board of Examiners of Psychology,
"Regarding 'Behavioral Analysts'"
by: Robert J. Illback, Psy.D., Chair
cc: Board members
adopted: August 5, 2002
revised: January 5, 2004
Accessed 1/20/2010

Saturday, May 2, 2009
2009 Bills Proposing Licensure of Behavior Analysts

Monday, May 4, 2009
NEWS: Oklahoma Governor signs HB 2027--creates licensure for BACB Certificants

Monday, May 4, 2009
Articles on Licensure from the journal, Behavior Analysis in Practice

Wednesday, May 27, 2009
NEWS: Nevada passes autism bill May 23, 2009

Wednesday, May 27, 2009
ABAI NEWSFLASH: New Practice Resources at ABA International!

Thursday, July 2, 2009
FYI: AZ "HB 2207: Behavior Analysts" Passes in the Legislature

Sunday, December 20, 2009
December 2009 notes on recent activities of the ABAI Practice Board

Monday, January 11, 2010
ABAI NEWSFLASH: ABA International Announces Model Licensing Act for Behavior Analysts

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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


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Monday, January 11, 2010

ABAI NEWSFLASH: ABA International Announces Model Licensing Act for Behavior Analysts

This morning the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) announced that posted online at the ABAI website is a new Model Licensing Act for Behavior Analysts. This is the product of a recent large-scale International Strategic Development Survey of stakeholder members in which such a licensure initiative was supported by a strong majority of respondents .

A prefacing article by current ABAI President Raymond G. Miltenberger, Ph.D., BCBA,  describes the background of the purpose, development and content of the Model Licensing Act under the points,
  • Why Licensing?
  • Risks Associated with Licensure
  • How Does Licensure Differ from Certification?
  • What is ABAI’s Model Licensing Act?
  • What are the Points of Similarity between the BACB® and ABAI Model Acts?
  • How do the BACB® and ABAI Model Licensing Acts Differ?
  • Rational for Grandfathering Clause
  • What are ABAI’s Criteria for Education Requirements?
  • How Will ABAI’s Accreditation Program Meet the Needs of Licensed Behavior Analysts?
  • What Will ABAI Do for Those Outside of the USA?
  • Where Can You Receive Guidance and Support?

This article then links to the Act itself,
ABAI Model Licensing Act for Behavior Analysts

In the article ABAI members are invited to review the Model Licensing Act, and under, "Where Can You Receive Guidance and Support?", information is given on how to give input, if wished, on the Model Licensing Act and to discuss chapter training and presentations support by the ABAI Practice Board.

References or for further reading

The ABAI Model Licensing Act, Educational Standards, and the Protection of the Profession
Raymond G. Miltenberger, Ph.D., BCBA; ABAI President

ABAI Model Licensing Act for Behavior Analysts

Practice (Practice Board and Other Committees)

Practice Resources

ABA International Strategic Plan

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
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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"

**Update 27Jan2010: At present on the "Status in Committee",
work sessions and public hearings scheduled on LD 1198 are listed as follows,

Public Hearing List
  • Mar 30, 2009, 0930AM, Room 427 State House
Work Session List
  •  UPDATE 2/10/10 - A work session is listed on the legislative website as scheduled for
    February 17, 2010 200PM    Room 427 State House
  • Apr 3, 2009, 0930AM, Room 427 State House
  • Jan 12, 2010, 0130PM, Room 427 State House (past date)
  • Jan 19, 2010, 0100PM, Room 427 State House (past date)
  • Feb 9, 2010, 0100PM, Room 427 State House (past date)
 Will try to post the exact time and date of such meetings when available, and recommend keeping in touch with Autism Votes-Maine. and the legislative webpage on LD 1198**
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**Update 19Jan2010:  This bill was not reported out of committee on January 12, and another work session was held on Jan 19, 2010, 0100PM, Room 427 , State House**
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Autism Votes sent out a notice today that the Maine legislature's Joint Insurance and Financial Services Committee will be holding a work group on Tuesday, January 12, 2010 to determine the future of LD 1198: "An Act To Reform Insurance Coverage To Include Diagnosis for Autism Spectrum Disorders".

Autism Votes has also issued an action request to those in Maine who have interest in the legislation.

For further reading/related blog posts
Autism Votes Maine page

Status and text of LD 1198 (Maine Legislature site)


Thursday, June 11, 2009
NEWS Maine: Board Certified Behavior Analysts Qualify for Reimbursement under MaineCare
Practitioner Issues in Behavior Analysis SIG blog

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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
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LEG. NEWS: HB 569-FN New Hampshire Autism Insurance Bill passes NH House

**Update 1/25/10 - according to status report at the legislative website, HB 569-FN has not yet had first reading in the New Hampshire Senate or assigned to a committee**
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On January 6, 2010, HB 569-FN - As amended, aka "Connor's Law": clarifying insurance coverage for diagnosis and treatment of pervasive developmental disorder or autism. passed in the New Hampshire House by a vote of 213-147.

The bill now proceeds to the Senate of the New Hampshire General Court.
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For further reading/past blog posts

Connor's Law website

Autism Votes New Hampshire page

LEG. NEWS: New Hampshire autism insurance bill on the calendar for 2010
Friday, December 18, 2009
Practitioner Issues in Behavior Analysis SIG blog

Bill Docket HB 569

The New Hampshire General Court

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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
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Thursday, January 7, 2010

NEWS: Pediatrics publishes two significant reports on evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal disorders in individuals diagnosed with ASD

On January 4, 2010 Pediatrics, the official journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics, published online two articles related to the evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal disorders in individuals with autism spectrum disorders.

Both articles are currently available in free full-text at the Pediatrics website,and professionals working with the ASD population may find them of value for their own education and in their roles in serving individuals with ASD.

The first is a consensus report based on the review of current available evidence by an expert panel (composition of the panel, evaluative process and resulting twenty-three statements described in the full report). Because evidence-based recommendation was not achievable at this time, this consensus report was produced, with a footnote included that,
"The guidance in this article is not intended to advocate for an exclusive course of treatment or to represent a standard of medical care. Individual circumstances will determine variations that may be appropriate."

Buie T, et al "Evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of gastrointestinal disorders in individuals with ASDs: a consensus report" Pediatrics 2010; 125: S1-S18.
DOI: 10.1542/peds.2009-1878C
http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/cgi/reprint/125/Supplement_1/S1

ABSTRACT:
Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are common and clinically heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorders. Gastrointestinal disorders and associated symptoms are commonly reported in individuals with ASDs, but key issues such as the prevalence and best treatment of these conditions are incompletely understood. A central difficulty in recognizing and characterizing gastrointestinal dysfunction with ASDs is the communication difficulties experienced by many affected individuals. A multidisciplinary panel reviewed the medical literature with the aim of generating evidence-based recommendations for diagnostic evaluation and management of gastrointestinal problems in this patient population. The panel concluded that evidence-based recommendations are not yet available. The consensus expert opinion of the panel was that individuals with ASDs deserve the same thoroughness and standard of care in the diagnostic workup and treatment of gastrointestinal concerns as should occur for patients without ASDs. Care providers should be aware that problem behavior in patients with ASDs may be the primary or sole symptom of the underlying medical condition, including some gastrointestinal disorders. For these patients, integration of behavioral and medical care may be most beneficial. Priorities for future research are identified to advance our understanding and management of gastrointestinal disorders in persons with ASDs.Pediatrics 2010;125:S1–S18

The second,
Buie T, et al "Recommendations for evaluation and treatment of common gastrointestinal problems in children with ASDs" Pediatrics 2010; 125: S19-S29.
DOI: 10.1542/peds.2009-1878D
http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/cgi/reprint/125/Supplement_1/S19

includes differential diagnostic and treatment guidelines which make reference to the consensus report.

ABSTRACT:
Children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) can benefit from adaptation of general pediatric guidelines for the diagnostic evaluation of abdominal pain, chronic constipation, and gastroesophageal reflux disease. These guidelines help health care providers determine when gastrointestinal symptoms are self-limited and when evaluation beyond a thorough medical history and physical examination should be considered. Children with ASDs who have gastrointestinal disorders may present with behavioral manifestations. Diagnostic and treatment recommendations for the general pediatric population are useful to consider until the development of evidence-based guidelines specifically for patients with ASDs. Pediatrics 2010;125:S19–S29

As a sidebar to the newsstories on the Pediatrics articles, it was noted in one news report that there is a current well-designed and controlled study at the University of Rochester that is anticipated to provide useful information on the effects of the gluten-free/casein-free diet on children with ASD, and that Autism Speaks will be issuing its own recommendations on treatment, including diet, within the year via its Autism Treatment Network.

For further reading/references:

Pediatrics Gastrointestinal Consensus Statement & Recommendations Provide First Step Toward Needed Guidelines for Children with Autism
Autism Speaks

No Proof Yet That Special Diets Ease Autism
Experts say that, for now, parents should work with their child's doctors
By E.J. Mundell
HealthDay Reporter, BusinessWeek

NIMH study NCT00090428, Diet and Behavior in Young Children With Autism.

Autism Speaks Autism Treatment Network

Pediatrics - Official Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics

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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



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