Develops comprehensive care centers for autism spectrum disorders

1 Co-sponsor

• Mike Spano

BILL NUMBER:A8906D

Title of bill

An act to amend the public health law, in relation to the development of comprehensive autism assessment centers

Purpose

This legislation would provide for the establishment of Compre- hensive Autism Assessment Centers that are designed to ensure that chil- dren with Autism Spectrum Disorders will receive a comprehensive assess- ment that will lead to the development of more effective interventions.

Summary of provisions

Section 1 of the bill amends the Subdivision 1 of section 2801 of the Public Health Law by adding "a comprehensive autism assessment center" to the definition of "Hospital."

Section 2 adds a new subdivision 11 to Section 2801 of the public health law referring to the definition of a Comprehensive Autism Assessment Center.

Section 3 adds a new section 2823 to the public health law defining Comprehensive Autism Assessment Centers and sets forth the programmatic components that these Centers shall contain including:

*Intensive Assessment Services including integrated, interdisciplinary analysis of a child's functional characteristics and disabilities;

*Residential services that will provide short-term residential services for children who require a short stay for the period in which the assessment is conducted;

*Educational services that are provided to ensure children continue receiving daily academic programming consistent with the child's home school district; and

*Medical services to address the child's medical needs including their general and chronic needs as well as those services that may be needed on an emergency basis. These medical services shall also be utilized in the assessment of the child's condition and development of the appropri- ate treatment plan.

Section 4 - This act shall take effect immediately.

Justification

The number of children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders and other complex developmental disabilities is increasing dramatically. Due to the many complexities that these disorders present, these children require intensive assessments that can provide the neces- sary information upon which an appropriate treatment plan can be devel- oped. At this time, there does not exist Centers that can provide the comprehensive level of assessment that is necessary. This legislation will allow for the establishment of these Centers that will meet this objective.

LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:. This is new legislation.

Fiscal implications

Undetermined

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately.