Thursday, February 18, 2010

State legislation - Missouri SS/SB 618 shown on Senate Calendar for 3rd reading on February 18

**Update 2/22/10, 11:51AM PST - The history of actions for SS/SB 618 shows that it was not voted on today, but is again on the Senate calendar for a Third Reading on February 22, 2010.**
------------------------------
Missouri SS/SB 618: Requires health carriers to provide coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorders under certain conditions

Is shown on the Missouri Senate Calendar for Thursday, February 18, 2010, under
THIRD READING OF SENATE BILLS and is anticipated to be debated and voted on in that body.

The Missouri Senate is scheduled to convene at 10:00AM. CST

Past related blog post
February 17, 2010
Quicktake: Virginia and Missouri autism insurance bills pass floor votes

Saturday, February 13, 2010
State legislation: Missouri - SS/SB 618 and HCS HB 1311&1341 on legislative calendars for action; licensing provision now included in HCS HB 1311 & 1341


© 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.

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Scientific postscript: Rom Houben determined not to be independently communicating through Facilitated Communication

A newsstory which received wide international press in November of 2009 was that of Rom Houben, the Belgian patient who was reported as having demonstrated almost miraculous abilities to communicate via Facilitated Communication; this after 23 years of being in a persistent vegetative state after a car accident. Among reports at the time was that Mr. Houben was planning to write a book.

After more rigorous controlled testing by Mr. Houben's neurologist, Dr. Steven Laureys, it has been found that the communication was a function of the Facilitator's communication, not Mr. Houben's.

All Things Considered February 17, 2010




Book-Writing Man In Coma Fails Communication Test
February 17, 2010 2:29PM
Scott Hensley
Shots: NPR's Health Blog

Doubts about 'coma man' were spot on
February 15, 2010 7:00 PM
Andy Coghlan, reporter
Short Sharp Science blog, New Scientist

Facilitated Communication Case Fails to Deliver
Darcy Cowan Feb 16
Scepticon, Sciblogs

Green, Gina , Ph.D. “Facilitated Communication: Mental Miracle Or Sleight Of Hand?,” Skeptic vol. 2, no. 3, 1994, pp. 68-76. 

ABA International Statement on Facilitated Communication, 1995


© 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.

Deadline February 19, 2010 - OppNet requests your input on priorities in Basic Behavioral and Social Science Research!

The NIH Basic Behavioral and Social Science Opportunity Network (OppNet) is seeking input from the scientific community, health professionals, patient advocates, and the general public about current and emerging priorities in basic behavioral and social sciences research (b-BSSR).



Please note that the deadline for responding to this RFI is Friday, February 19th, 2010. OppNet is seeking your help in identifying broad priority areas. The purpose of this RFI is not to solicit ideas for specific, individual research proposals.

OppNet Mission
The mission of OppNet is to pursue opportunities for strengthening basic behavioral and social science research (b-BSSR) at the NIH while innovating beyond existing investments.

OppNet Goals
OppNet advances basic behavioral and social science research through activities and initiatives that build a body of knowledge about the nature of behavior and social systems.
OppNet prioritizes activities and initiatives that focus on basic mechanisms of behavior and social processes; that are relevant to the missions and public health challenges of multiple NIH Institutes, Centers and Offices (ICOs); and that build upon existing NIH investments without replicating them.

Past and related posts

Thursday, February 11, 2010
Time sensitive RFI : The NIH Basic Behavioral and Social Science Opportunity Network (OppNet) is seeking YOUR input by February 19, 2010

Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Initial draft revision of the DSM-V unveiled Wednesday, February 10, 2010; comments requested until April 20, 2010

Thursday, February 11, 2010
Time sensitive request for comment: Interim final rules to the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008


© 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.

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Quicktake: Virginia and Missouri autism insurance bills pass floor votes

On February 16, 2010,
  • Virginia SB 464 Committee Substitute S1 was passed without amendment by a vote of 27 to 13 in the Virginia Senate, and
  • Missouri HCS HB 1311 & 1341 passed after amendment and perfection in the Missouri House.
While Virginia's bill was passed without change - Missouri's House Journal notes that the bill had multiple amendments before perfection; some of the amendments were applied to the portion of the bill referring to the practice of applied behavior analysis and competencies and qualification of behavior analysts and line therapists. The amendments in sum are not known at this time and a link to the perfected bill with updated information will be provided when availabe.

Past blog posts
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
State Legislation: Virginia autism insurance bill SB 464 reported from Committee with substitute, on Senate Calendar for February 16, 2010

Saturday, February 13, 2010
State legislation: Missouri - SS/SB 618 and HCS HB 1311&1341 on legislative calendars for action; licensing provision now included in HCS HB 1311 & 1341


© 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.

Opportunity: Autism Science Foundation offers grants for parents and stakeholders to attend the International Meeting for Autism Research (IMFAR)

The Autism Science Foundation is offering a scholarship opportunity to allow parents and other stakeholders to attend the International Meeting for Autism Research (IMFAR), the annual meeting of the International Society for Autism Research (INSAR).

At the 2009 IMFAR meeting the work of Deborah Fein and colleagues at the University of Connecticut studying the characteristics of "optimal outcome" children with ASDs received some wide popular press coverage.

The 2010 meeting is being held in Philadelphia, PA, May 20-22, 2010. The IMFAR website reports that registration for the 2010 conference is scheduled to open on February 19, 2010.

(February 11, 2010 -- New York, NY) The Autism Science Foundation today announced that is offering a limited number of grants to parents of children with autism and other stakeholders to support attendance at the International Meeting for Autism Research (IMFAR), to be held in Philadelphia, May 20-22, 2010. Awards of up to $1000 can be used to cover registration, travel, accommodations, meals and other directly related expenses, including childcare. After the conference, grant recipients will be expected to share what they've learned with families in their local communities and/or online...

For full information, see the notice and application instructions at the Autism Science Foundation.

© 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.

State Legislation: Virginia autism insurance bill SB 464 reported from Committee with substitute, on Senate Calendar for February 16, 2010

**Update 2/16/10 - 1:11PM PST - SB 464 Committee Substitute was passed without amendment by a vote of 27 to 13 in the Virginia Senate**

--------------------------
Virginia SB 464: A BILL to amend and reenact § 38.2-4319 of the Code of Virginia and to amend the Code of Virginia by adding a section numbered 38.2-3418.16, relating to health insurance coverage for autism spectrum disorder has been favorably reported with substitute  from the Senate Committee on Commerce and Labor on February 15, 2010.

The Regular Senate Calendar for February 16, 2010 shows SB 464 S1  as coming to the Senate Floor for a vote.

The major change of the amendment/substitute was to reduce the age of coverage from up to age ten years to "from age two to age six".

Applied behavior analysis is defined in SB 464 S1, and coverage of applied behavior analysis is in the category of "Habilitative or rehabilitative care". Service provider of behavior analytic services not defined in SB 464 S1, nor are the competencies of the Behavior Analysis Certification Board specified.


FOR MORE INFORMATION

Virginia General Assembly

Autism Votes - Virginia

Bill mandates autism coverage
The state Senate votes today on legislation to require employers to cover autism treatments.
By Courtney Cutright
Tuesday, February 16, 2010



© 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.

Monday, February 15, 2010

State legislation - West Virginia autism insurance bills; one with specified certification requirement

**Followup 3/27/10- The West Virginia legislature shows that none of the bills in this post have advanced beyond the status noted on February 15, 2010**

The West Virginia legislature is currently entertaining four bills related to the practice and reimbursement of behavior analytic services by health insurance. One [HB 2858] references "behavioral therapy", and one [HB 4410] explicitly refers to applied behavior analysis and would create a state definition of a "Certified Behavior Analyst".
SB 145
Introduced 1/13/2010
Referred to the Committee on Banking and Insurance; and then to the Committee on Finance.
A BILL to amend the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, by adding thereto a new section, designated §33-15-22; to amend said code by adding thereto a new section, designated §33-16-18; and to amend said code by adding thereto a new section, designated §33-16D-17, all relating to requiring health insurers to provide full coverage for the prevention, early detection, diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorder.
The next bill makes reference to "behavioral therapy", but no definition of applied behavior analysis, and no specific reference to provider or competencies.
HB 2858
Introduced January 13, 2010; referred to the Committee on Banking and Insurance then Finance.
A BILL to amend the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, by adding thereto a new section, designated §5-16-7f; that said code be amended by adding thereto a new section, designated  §5-16B-6e; that said code be amended by adding thereto a new section, designated §33-15-22; that said code be amended by adding thereto a new section, designated §33 -16-18; and that said code be amended by adding thereto a new section, designated §33 -16D-17 , all  relating to autism spectrum disorder; requiring coverage for early detection, diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorder by all insurance policies and insurance plans provided by the West Virginia Public Employees Insurance Act, all accident and sickness policies, all group accident and sickness policies, all small employer accident and sickness policies and all plans for health services or accident or sickness insurance provided by the West Virginia Children's Health Insurance Program which provides coverage for hospital, surgical or medical care coverage in the state ; providing requirements and limitations on required coverage; exceptions; and providing that the provisions of this bill be known and cited collectively as the 'Cameron and Dominic Law'.
The bill which explicitly references applied behavior analysis, the competencies and qualifications of the stated service providers, and qualifications of "Certified Behavior Analyst"s is
HB 4410
Introduced February 9, 2010 ; referred to the Committee on Banking and Insurance.
A BILL to amend the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, by adding thereto a new section, designated §5-16-7f; to amend said code by adding thereto a new section, designated §9-5-21; and to amend said code by adding thereto a new section, designated §33-16-3v, all relating to requiring health insurance coverage for autism spectrum disorders; setting forth the types of coverage required; requiring medical services to be provided on a nondiscriminatory basis; and defining terms.
Some definitions from HB 4410 that may be of interest to practicing behavior analysts,
  • "Autism services provider" means any person, entity or group that provides treatment of autism spectrum disorders.
  • "Certified behavior analyst" means a West Virginia licensed psychiatrist or psychologist who is also board certified as a behavior analyst by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board.
  • "Habilitative or rehabilitative care" means professional, counseling and guidance services and treatment programs, including applied behavior analysis, that are necessary to develop, maintain and restore, to the maximum extent practicable, the functioning of an individual.
  • "Therapeutic care" means services provided by licensed or certified speech therapists, occupational therapists or physical therapists under the direction of a certified behavioral analyst.
HB 4410 would apply to West Virginia Public Employees Insurance, Medicaid, Group Accident and Sickness Insurance,

Another bill is primarily related to prohibiting gender discrimination.
HB. 4215,
Introduced January 28, 2010; referred to the Committee on Banking and Insurance then the Judiciary.
A BILL to amend the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, by adding thereto a new section, designated §5-16-7f; that said code be amended by adding thereto a new section, designated §33-15-22; that said code be amended by adding thereto a new section, designated §33-16-18; and that said code be amended by adding thereto a new section, designated §33-16D-17, all relating to prohibiting gender discrimination in health care insurance plans.
FOR MORE INFORMATION

West Virginia Legislature Bill Status Search page

West Virginia Legislature

Autism Votes - West Virginia
(No content related to the bills as of 2/15/10)

© 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.

State legislation: Iowa - Committee substitute SF 2349 replaces autism insurance bill SF 1; retains certified "behavior specialists"

In a previous post it was reported that Senate File (SF)1: A bill for an act requiring certain group health insurance policies, contracts, or plans to provide coverage for autism spectrum disorders for certain persons, requiring certification of behavior specialists, and providing an applicability date.
was passed out of the Senate Commerce Committee with amendment but at that time the nature of those amendments were not known.

At the Iowa Legislature on February 15, 2010 it is reported that SF1 has been replaced by

Committee substitute Senate File 2349
Senate File 2349 - Introduced
SENATE FILE BY COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE
(SUCCESSOR TO SF 1)

A BILL FOR An Act requiring certain group health insurance established for employees of the state to provide coverage for autism spectrum disorders for certain persons, requiring certification of behavior specialists, and providing an applicability date.

The most recent actions are
FEB. 15 10 Introduced, placed on calendar. S.J. 405.
FEB. 15 10 Committee report, approving bill. S.J. 407.

Bill Title: *SENATE FILE 2349 (formerly SF 1), a bill for an act requiring certain group health insurance established for employees of the state to provide coverage for autism spectrum disorders for certain persons, requiring certification of behavior specialists, and providing an applicability date.
Recommendation: APPROVED COMMITTEE BILL.
Final Vote: Ayes, 11 Nays, 3 Absent, 1

Fiscal Note: NOT REQUIRED UNDER JOINT RULE 17.
*Pursuant to Senate Rule 40, the Legislative Services Agency reported nonsubstantive changes to the members of the Commerce Committee on Senate File 2349, and they were attached to the committee report.
Brief review seems to indicate that the clauses in SF 1 related to the creation of a "behavior specialist" certification still apply, to wit:
a "'Behavior specialist' means an individual, certified by the commissioner, who designs, implements, or evaluates a behavior modification intervention component of a treatment plan, including those based on applied behavioral analysis, to produce socially significant improvements in human behavior or to prevent loss of attained skill or function, through skill acquisition and the reduction of problematic behavior,
and that,
"The commissioner, in consultation with the board of medicine, shall adopt rules providing for the certification of behavior specialists..."

See the full text of SF 2349 for specific language.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

To create an Iowa Legislature Bill and Code Watch

Iowa Legislature

Autism Votes Iowa

Past post
Friday, February 12, 2010
State legislation: Iowa - SF1 autism insurance bill survives legislative "funnel week"

© 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.

Sunday, February 14, 2010

State legislation: Colorado - Bill to block implementation of Colorado autism insurance law postponed indefinitely

On February 4, 2010, a bill in the Colorado General Assembly (HB10-1154)  that would have blocked the July 1, 2010 implementation of of the law mandating health insurance coverage of autism spectrum by passage of 2009 Senate Bill 09-244  was postponed indefinitely in the Colorado House Committee on State, Veterans, & Military Affairs  by a 6-5 vote.

This postponement allows SB 09-244/C.R.S. 10-16-104 to proceed to implementation to cover autism treatment, including applied behavior analysis, on July 1 as originally specified.

Among those reporting as having submitted testimony against HB10-1154 was David Hatfield, Ph.D., BCBA-D, Current Director of the Colorado Coalition of Autism Professionals.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
Colorado Coalition of Autism Professionals (COCAP)

Autism Votes - Colorado - FAQs

Report on events in Colorado from the Four Corners ABA newsletter,volume 1, No.1
Travis Blevins, MS, BCBA and David Hatfield, PH.D., BCBA‐D, Licensed Clinical
Psychologist


Autism Society of Colorado legislation page with information on
2009 SB 09-244: Concerning Health Insurance Benefits for the Treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorders

Autism Votes - Colorado

"Timeout" proposal dies; what next?
Friday, February 5, 2010, 4:47pm MST

© 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.

State legislation: Maine SP 446/LD 1198 autism insurance bill scheduled for committee worksession on February 17, 2010

A bill currently under consideration in the Maine Legislature is,
SP 446/LD 1198: An Act To Reform Insurance Coverage To Include Diagnosis for Autism Spectrum Disorders, 
which has been carried over from 2009 to the 2010 legislative season. SP 446/LD 1198 defines applied behavior analysis, and includes applied behavior analysis under "habilitative and rehabilitative services"; it does not explicitly state provider of these services, nor does it specify the BACB certification or competencies for delivery of applied behavior analysis service.
The hearing calendar for the Committee on Insurance and Financial Services shows SP 446/LD 1198 as scheduled for another work session on February 17, 2010 at 2PM in Room 427, State House [audio link].
The bill has been in committee for some months and since the commencement of the 2010 legislative session but not yet voted out, although work sessions were scheduled on January 12, 19, and February 9, 2010.
The public hearing for the bill was on March 30, 2009.


FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
Maine Legislature Tracking SP 446/LD 1198

Autism Votes - Maine

Maine Legislature

© 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.

Have you checked out the ABA International® Facebook page?

Another helpful resource for Association for Behavior Analysis International® (ABAI) members to keep in touch with each other and ABAI events is the ABAI Facebook page,



There are 1001 Facebook group members, and this is your invitation to check it out and join if you haven't already done so.

© 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.

Useful ref: Resources for keeping up with autism-related legislation and insurance implementation

There are several online resources that may be helpful to those interested in tracking autism-related legislation and implementation, and associated state conditions,

For all Federal legislation and public law, searches can be conducted by keyword or resolution number using Thomas.gov, the search engine of the Library of Congress.

In the last few days, Autism Votes, with the help of students from George Washington University Law School and the PA Department of Public Welfare for the PA FAQ, has inaugurated an FAQ webpage with information on implementation of statute in the 15 states with autism insurance reform law.

The states currently itemized in this FAQ are
  • Arizona,
  • Colorado
  • Connecticut
  • Florida
  • Illinois
  • Indiana
  • Louisiana
  • Montana
  • Nevada
  • New Jersey
  • New Mexico
  • Pennsylvania
  • South Carolina
  • Texas
  • Wisconsin
Other Autism Votes resources already pointed out in this blog are the Autism Votes Facebook and Twitter pages

For helpful reference on state background on autism counts and services is the
State profile page at Easter Seals
, which provides information on
  • Demographics, 
  • State Task Forces & reports, 
  • State Insurance Coverage, 
  • Other State Activity, 
  • Education Programs and Activities
The information is current to 2009 (with availability of 2008 data), but these State Autism Profiles provide a helpful quick snapshot of what the situation is in a state.

A dynamic searchable database is the NCSL Autism Legislation Database. The database is searchable by all states, District of Columbia, and U.S. Territories, and by year under the categories of,
  • Awareness
  • Education
  • Financing
  • Health and Human Services
  • Infrastructure
  • Insurance
  • Miscellaneous
  • Professional Training
  • Screening
  • Task Force
A personal recommendation is that search results of interest should be cross-checked and verified against legislative websites, since the information is dependent on when the database is updated and may lag real events by a few days. Nonetheless, the NCSL database is of valuable service in giving a rapid snapshot of autism-related legislation and extends beyond questions of insurance.
(A note of appreciation and thanks to Kimberly Derk, MA, BCBA for highlighting this useful resource.)

© 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.

FYI : "IEP Checklist App" for the iPhone/iPod Touch

Note: While this is a heads-up on what may be an interesting or useful new application reported in the news, posting does not constitute recommendation, endorsement, warranty or statement of suitability. Interested readers are directed to check the information out first-hand and determine suitability of the application for their particular use.

On February 12, 2010 Disability Scoop reported on a new free-of-charge iPhone app for special education developed for the Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center (PEATC) by Nurvee. The stated purpose of the app is to be an "on-the-spot intelligent assistance" tool for families, students, and teachers in the development of student Individual Education Programs (IEPs).

A how-to example 2:10


The IEP Checklist is available at the PEATC website or at the iTunes Store.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

IEP Checklist App
Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center

‘IEP Checklist’ iPhone App Aims To Level Playing Field
By Shaun Heasley, Disability Scoop
February 12, 2010

© 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.


 
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