State legislation: Missouri - Compromise requested on SS/SB 618 autism insurance bill; licensing highlighted as pivotal issue

In the Tuesday April 6, 2010 hearing on SS/SB 618/ the autism insurance bill currently in the House Special Standing Committee on Health Insurance, insurance industry representatives requested that the Senate bill as it stands be rejected in preference to House bill HB 1311&1341, which has a lower age and annual treatment cap. HB 1311&1341 would also establish a licensing requirement for supervision of applied behavior analysis service delivery and practice of applied behavior analysis, which the Senate bill does not contain. The Committee did not take action on SS/SB 618 on Tuesday, although compromises were discussed.

From the Missourian news article, in reference to concerns about lack of a licensing provision,

"David Smith, a lobbyist for Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, also opposed the Senate bill and expressed concerns about its lack of licensing requirements for therapists.

'There needs to be a background check, at least,' Smith said. 'These people are part of the day-to-day operation in the lives of those kids.'

Qualms regarding licensing and training regulations resurfaced later in the hearing, when the government affairs director for the insurance company Coventry Health Care, Cheryl Dillard, testified against the bill.

'Many of (the therapists) will be alone with very vulnerable children,' Dillard said. 'Licensing is terribly important.' "

Unstated in the news article, although covered by this blog, is that Missouri currently has a separate licensing bill submitted in the 2010 legislature which would license the profession of applied behavior analysis,

SB 1030: AN ACT  To amend chapter 337, RSMo, by adding thereto ten new sections relating to the licensure of the profession of applied behavior analysis, with penalty provisions.

SB 1030 has had no movement since its assignment on March 4, 2010 to the Senate Financial and Governmental Organizations and Elections Committee

For more reading
Missouri House committee looks for compromise with Senate autism bill
Wednesday, April 7, 2010 | 12:01 a.m. CDT
Missourian

Past blog posts
Sunday, April 4, 2010
State legislation: Missouri - SS/SB 618 autism insurance bill scheduled for House Committee hearing on Tuesday, April 6, 2010; HB 1311 & 1341, and SB 1030 in holding pattern

Saturday, March 13, 2010
State legislation - Missouri SB 1030 - Creates the Behavior Analyst Advisory Board and requires licensing to engage in applied behavior analysis

© 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.