Tuesday, May 4, 2010

State legislation: Iowa autism insurance bill signed into law; ABA and BACB certificants covered

On April 29, 2010, Iowa Governor Chet Culver signed into law the Standing Appropriations Bill, HF 2531, which contains an amendment specifying insurance coverage for autism spectrum disorders - including applied behavior analysis and recognizing BCBAs as approved providers for that treatment modality. The coverage in the enacted law is restricted to certain state employee group health insurance plans; the purpose is to provide a pilot to inform real implementation costs and potential future expansion to other health care plans.

Some specific language of the amendment, as stated in the House Journal for March 30, 2010 is,
"...As used in this section, unless the context otherwise requires:
 "Applied behavioral analysis" means the design, implementation, and evaluation of environmental modifications, using behavioral stimuli and consequences, to produce socially significant  improvement in human behavior or to prevent loss of attained skill or function, including the use of direct observation, measurement, and functional analysis of the relations between environment and behavior.

"Autism service provider" means a person, or group providing treatment of autism spectrum disorders. An autism service provider that provides treatment of autism spectrum disorders that includes applied behavioral analysis shall be certified as a behavior analyst by the behavior analyst certification board or shall be a health professional licensed under chapter 147.

"Rehabilitative care" means professional services and treatment programs, including applied behavioral analysis, provided by an autism service provider to produce socially significant improvement in human behavior or to prevent loss of attained skill or function...."

For more information
Pages 1494-1498, State of Iowa House Journal
March 30, 2010
(Text related to autism insurance coverage)

Who were the winners and losers of the 2010 Iowa Legislature?
Blog post by Jennifer Jacobs • jejacobs@dmreg.com • March 30, 2010

Autism Victory Doesn't Benefit Father Advocate
Posted: Apr 01, 2010 7:07 PM PDT
KCAU-TV, Sioux City IA


Beall’s autism bill heads to the governor: Only state employees are included in measure
By BILL SHEA, Messenger staff writer
April 2, 2010


Autism Votes Iowa

Past posts
Monday, March 29, 2010
State legislation: Iowa - Wild and wooly ride for autism insurance bill as General Assembly prepares to adjourn

© 2010 Regina G. Claypool-Frey
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