Tuesday, January 26, 2010

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, 


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

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Monday, January 25, 2010

LEG. NEWS: Alaska - HB 187 Autism insurance bill & hearing scheduled for Thursday, January 28, 2010

** Update 1/28/10 6:15pm PST - While the record of today's meeting is not yet online, it might be helpful background information to have the minutes, audio, and submitted documents to the 3/24/2009 public testimony for Alaska HB 187 including that by Gina Green, Ph.D., BCBA-D on applied behavior analysis and James Bouder on the cost analysis of this legislation - "The Cost  and  Benefit of  HB 187.".**
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Alaska HB 187: Insurance coverage for autism spectrum disorder, has been carried over to the 2010 legislative session, is currently in the House Health & Social Services Committee and the legislative website shows a hearing in the

House Health & Social Services Committee,
Thursday, January 28, 2010 3:00PM, Capitol 106, Teleconference.

About the bill:
Applied behavior analysis is defined in the HB 187, and is categorized as a covered service under "rehabilitative care".

The competencies of a provider of applied behavior analysis is not specified nor is the BACB certification. Definition is given within HB 187 of an "autism service provider", to mean "a person, entity, or group providing treatment of autism spectrum disorders".
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For more information

Autism Votes- Alaska

FAQ HB 187
Partners in Policymaking Alaska

The Alaska State Legislature

Gavel to Gavel Alaska (Audio and video streams of Alaska legislature floor and committee proceedings.)

ABAI Chapters in or serving Alaska
Northwestern Association for Behavior Analysis (NWABA)


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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,
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LEG. NEWS: New York S. 3676 Defines the practice of behavior analysis and recognizes the Behavior Analysis Certification Board competencies

NY S. 3676, currently in the New York State Assembly, would create state definition of the practice of behavior analysis, and recognize the competencies of the Behavior Analysis Certification Board as appropriate qualifications for the practice of behavior analysis. The bill text gives a lengthy definition of what behavior analysis is, what it is not, and would establish that a BACB certificant is the appropriate agent of that practice.

S. 3676 also states that the act shall take effect on the January 1 of the year succeeding passage of the bill, and that the NY State department of education would be authorized to immediately promulgate rules and regulation in order to implement the requirements of the act.

As further background, on the website of the New York Association for Behavior Analysis (NYSABA) there is a legislative action alert dated from February 2009 describing NYSABA's legislative agenda to gain such state recognition of behavior analysis professionals and the BCBA credential which would allow independent professional practice of behavior analysis. Other details are given. Please see the Legislative Action Alert at the NYSABA website, and/or contact NYSABA for specifics and more information.

For more information

New York State Assembly

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

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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, 

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Sunday, January 24, 2010

ANNOUNCE: Maine issues new evidence-based report on autism interventions

**Update: 1/25/10, 3:05pm PST - A reader passed along the tip that the Winter 2010 issue/volume 7(1) of Science in Autism Treatment, the newsletter of the Association for Science in Autism Treatment contains a summary on the Maine report,
pp. 4-5, "Consumer Corner: Maine Releases Report on Evidence-Based Practice for Autism"
Lora Perry, M.S., BCBA
SCIENCE IN AUTISM TREATMENT: Newsletter of the Association for Science in Autism Treatment. Vol. 7 No. 1, Winter 2010.

[End of Update 1]**
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A collaboration of The Maine Department of Health and Human Service & The Maine Department of Education recently issued a report on evaluation of the evidence for interventions for ASD.

The report is,
Interventions for Autism Spectrum Disorders: STATE OF THE EVIDENCE
Report of the Children’s Services Evidence-Based Practice Advisory Committee
A Collaboration of
THE MAINE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES & THE MAINE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
October 2009
Summary table can be found on pages 8-10


This report is another addition to the reference library of updated reports on the state of evidence on autism intervention, which also includes,

National Standards Report: The National Standards — Addressing the Need for Evidence-based Practice Guidelines for Autism Spectrum Disorders (174pp.)
National Autism Center, Randolph, MA. 2009.


Evidence-Based Practice and Autism in the Schools: A Guide To Providing Appropriate Interventions to Students With Autism Spectrum Disorders. (258pp.)
National Autism Center, Randolph, MA. 2009.


Myers, S.M., Plauche Johnson, C., (2007). Clinical report: Management of children with autism spectrum disorders. PEDIATRICS, 120(5),1162-1182. (doi:10.1542/peds.2007-2362) 
AAP Policy - American Academy of Pediatrics
NB: Applied behavior analysis and functional behavior analysis covered under "Specific Strategies" on page 1164, under "Speech and Language Therapy" on page 1165, under "Social Skills Training" on page 1165, under "Comparative Efficacy of Educational Interventions for Young Children" on page 1166, under "Programs for Older Children and Adolescents" on page 1166.


Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN). Assessment, diagnosis and clinical interventions for children and young people with autism spectrum disorders. A national clinical guideline. Edinburgh (Scotland): Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN); 2007 Jul. 65 p. (SIGN publication; no. 98). [232 references]


Ministries of Health and Education. 2008. New Zealand Autism Spectrum Disorder Guideline. Wellington: Ministry of Health.

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Related groups, websites, books and past blog posts


AUTISM
Presentation: 7. Behavior Analytic Research in the Treatment of Autism
David Celiberti, Ph.D., BCBA
"An overview of the state of research in autism that evaluates behavior analytic and non–behavior analytic treatments will be presented, with an emphasis on considerations for future research in applied settings."
Presented Monday August 4 at the 2008 National Autism Conference. August 4–8, 2008 Penn State, Pennsylvania
(scroll down the page to the presentation, handouts, and audio of the presentation)

A Parent's Guide to Research
Life Journey Through Autism Guide
Organization for Autism Research

Association for Science in Autism Treatment (ASAT)
Summaries of Scientific Research on ABA Teaching Procedures
Teaching Procedures Using Principles of Applied Behavior Analysis


Research Autism (UK)
Introduction to interventions in autism
Evaluated Interventions
Early Intensive Behavioural Intervention

Parent Guide to [autism] Therapies (Australia)
Raising children network: The Australian Parenting Website


ABAI -  Autism Special Interest Group

ABAI - Parent-Professional Partnership Special Interest Group (PPP-SIG)


EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICE

The Cochrane Collaboration 
[Evidence-based health care]
An introduction to Cochrane reviews and The Cochrane Library

The Campbell Collaboration 
[systematic reviews of the effects of social interventions - education, crime and justice, and social welfare]


The Wing Institute
Executive Summary
How Does Applied Behavior Analysis Support Evidence-Based Education


BOOKS
Effective Practices for children with autism: Educational and behavior support interventions that work. (2008). New York: Luiselli, J.K., Russo, D.C., Christian, C.P, & Wilczynski, S.M. (Editors). New York: Oxford University Press, USA.
ISBN-13: 978-0-19-531704-6

[Google books limited preview]


Early intervention for autism spectrum disorders: a critical analysis.
 Matson, J.L., & Minshawi, N.F. (2006).  Amsterdam: Elsevier Ltd.
ISBN-13: 978-0-08-044675-2
[Google books limited preview]

Related past posts:
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Practitioner Issues in Behavior Analysis SIG blog
NEWS: Pediatrics publishes two significant reports on evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal disorders in individuals diagnosed with ASD

Thursday, December 3, 2009
Practitioner Issues in Behavior Analysis SIG blog
ANNOUNCE: National Autism Center announces new manual for evidence-based education of those with 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,

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LEG NEWS: Kansas SB.12 & HB. 2367 Accessing Autism Services Act / "Kate's Law"

** Update 1/27/10 4:17PM PST - An article by Jennifer Smith-Currier discusses a meeting of advocates with Kansas legislators on behalf of supporting SB12/HB 2367/Kate's Law. The story also notes that the Kansas Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (Kansas Chapter AAP) has sent a letter to the legislature supporting Kate's Law.
Autism Insurance Coverage for Kansas Families
Posted by Jennifer Smith-Currier Autism Speaks
gardneredge.com
Posted on Jan. 27th, 2010**
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Two Kansas autism insurance bills have been carried over from the 2009 legislative session and are the subject of a "Capitol push-in week" during January 25-29, 2010 to build legislative awareness and move the bills forward in the 2010 session.
and
In both bills, "Applied Behavior Analysis" is defined. Applied behavior analysis is included under classification of ‘‘Habilitative or rehabilitative care’’ - means and includes any professional, counseling and guidance service and treatment program, including applied behavior analysis."

Neither behavior analysts nor BACB certificants, nor the competencies of behavior analysis provision are referenced in SB 12 or HB 2367.  An ‘‘Autism services provider’’ is specified and "means any person, entity or group that provides treatment of any autism spectrum disorder".

Why the bills are referred as "Kate's Law",
"My daughter Kate was diagnosed with autism at 2 years 4 months.  She had been a typically developing, bright, verbal, and engaging child until shortly after her first birthday when her development started to regress.  At the time she was diagnosed she had lost the ability to speak, she was non-responsive to social interaction, and content to line up her toys and flap her hands for hours on end. 
Our health insurance denied coverage for her treatment.  My wife and I drained our savings account but were able to provide Kate with 25 hours/week of a home-based intensive behavior therapy program for 3 years.   Kate is currently in 4th grade in a general education classroom without an aide.  She has "straight A's" on her report card and achieved a score of "exemplary" in both the Math and Reading Kansas State Assessment Tests this year.  She still struggles with the social deficits that come with the diagnosis of autism, but she has a small group of good friends and plans to be a writer and an actress when she grows up.  
It was suggested that the Accessing Autism Services Bill be nicknamed "Kate's Law" as a reminder to legislators what a child with autism is capable of achieving if provided access to early diagnosis and appropriate treatment.  Sarah and I are honored that this bill carries her name. "
Video by the Kansas Coalition for Autism Legislation

Kate's Law part 1


Kate's Law part 2


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For more information:

Kansas Coalition for Autism Legislation

Autism Votes - Kansas

Kansas Legislature

Report of the Kansas Autism Task Force to the 2009 Kansas Legislature
"Findings and Recommendations to the Autism Task Force,
'...Examples of evidence-based practices included: Applied Behavioral Analysis and Discrete Trial Teaching (e.g., University of California at Los Angeles,and replication sites); and 2 other intervention programs cited in a meta-analysis conducted by Simpson and colleagues (2005) Pivotal Response Training (PRT; University of California at Santa Barbara), and Learning Experiences: An Alternative for Preschoolers and Parents (LEAP)..."
Best Practice Recommendations based on a Synthesis of Sources
1.Use of a model based on the science of human behavior such as that found in an Applied Behavior Analysis model of intervention. Applied Behavior Analysis has been referenced throughout the literature as having the most scientific evidence to support the use of techniques found in intensive behavioral programs...' "

ABA Chapters for/in Kansas
Kansas ABA

Southeastern ABA

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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, 


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ANNOUNCE: Volume 5(1) of the Journal of Speech Language Pathology and Applied Behavior Analysis (JSLP-ABA) now available

Volume 5(1), January 12, 2010 of the peer-reviewed open access journal, Journal of Speech-Language Pathology and Applied Behavior Analysis (JSLP-ABA) is now available at the Behavior Analysis Online website.

Table of Contents of volume 5(1):

Pg.: 1: Generic Instruction versus Intensive Tact Instruction and the Emission of Spontaneous Speech
- R. Douglas Greer& Lin Du

Pg.: 20: Effects of Multiple Exemplar Instruction on the Transformation of Stimulus Function Across Written and Vocal Spelling Responses by Students with Autism
- Carly M. Eby, R. Douglas Greer, Lisa D. Tullo, Katherine A. Baker & Rebecca Pauly

Pg.: 32: .AAC Interventions: Case study of In-utero Stroke.
- Cindy Geise Arroyo, Robert Goldfarb, Danielle Cahill, & Janet Schoepflin

Pg.: 48: Implications of Skinner’s Verbal Behavior for Studying Dementia
- Jeffrey A. Buchanan, Daniel Houlihan, & Peter J.N. Linnerooth

Pg.: 59: Using Skinner’s Model of Verbal Behavior Analysis to study Aggression in Psychiatric Hospitals
- Michael Daffern & Matthew Tonkin

Pg.: 70: Evaluation of Two Communicative Response Modalities for a Child with Autism and Self-Injury
- Stacy E. Danov, Ellie Hartman, Jennifer J. McComas, & Frank J. Symons

Pg.: 80: Using DRO, Behavioral Momentum,and Self-Regulation to Reduce Scripting by an Adolescent with Autism
- Vanessa Ann Silla-Zaleski & Mary J. Vesloski

Archived open-access volumes of JSLP-ABA are also available at the Behavior Analyst Online website, as well as,
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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, 


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