The
following bills were monitored by the Combating Autism Advisory
Council during the 2009 Legislative Session:
Requires DSHS
to offer nonsubsidized health coverage for children beginning 1/1/09
for children living in families with household income above 300% of
the federal poverty level. *Section
3 which required DSHS to identify a staff position as the single
point of contact and coordination for the Apple Health for Kids
program was vetoed.
The number of
children with developmental disabilities along with intense
behaviors is increasing and more families are seeking out-of-home
placement for their children.
The following legislation being monitored did not pass this
session:
Insurance Coverage for
ASD (SB
5203/HB
1210)
Requires each
health plan offered to public employees and their covered dependents
under chapter 41.05 RCW which is not subject to the provisions of
Title 48 RCW to include coverage for the diagnosis of Autism
Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and
treatment of ASD in individuals less than 21 years old. (NOTE: Arzu Forough from Autism Speaks will continue this fight and
is looking for help collecting insurance and Medicaid data. To learn
how you can help, contact her at:
arzu@washingtonautismadvocacy.org)
Early Intervention (SB
5373/HB
1161)
Finds that
early intervention services are cost-effective and effectively serve
the developmental needs of infants and toddlers with disabilities
and developmental delays and their families.
Developmental
Screening for Children (SB
5484)
Requires DSHS
to select developmental screening tools consistent with nationally
accepted pediatric guidelines and to reimburse providers using the
tools to conduct developmental screenings of children.
Developmental
Screening Through
Medicaid (HB
1337)
Finds that
developmental screening of infants and young children is a
cost-effective method to identify developmental delays early and
provide appropriate services to reduce the negative impact of the
developmental delay.
Neurodevelopmental
Therapies (SHB
1412)
Finds that
access to appropriate early intervention services significantly
improves function in children with developmental delays and
disabilities.
Autism Training for
Foster Parents (SB
6071)
Requires DSHS
to develop for inclusion into its current foster parent training
program a section devoted to the characteristics, management, and
needs of children with autism (by no later than 1/1/10).
|
