The bill introduced on April 7, 2010 and referred to the House Health & Social Services Committee is,
HB 425, TITLE: "An Act establishing a program for the provision of autism services within the Department of Health and Social Services."The stated purpose of HB 425 is "to create and implement a statewide program to provide and coordinate home-based services for children who have been diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder and to prevent, reduce, and ameliorate the effects of autism spectrum disorders in the state."
This statewide program designed by the Department of Health and Social Services would be a data-base demonstration of evidence-based early interventions including home-based services: screening, caregiver training in applied behavior analysis, assessment and planning of direct services by a "board certified autism specialist" (unclear if this is synonymous with "board certified behavior analyst", although no "certified autism specialist" is locatable in Alaska government listings), other services, care coordination and an centralized database. The Department of Health and Social Services would coordinate with public and private entities to implement the program and provide direct services.
On a related note, Alaska also currently has two autism insurance bills in the legislature; HB 187 and SB 250.
For more information
The Alaska State Legislature
House Bill 425
© 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.
