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Sponsors
Senator · Senate District 43
History
- Reported and committed to finance
- Referred to mental health and developmental disabilities
- Reported and committed to finance
- Referred to mental health and developmental disabilities
Companion bill
The same bill in the other chamber. A bill becomes law when one version passes both houses and the governor signs it, so either number can carry it.
Defines a bill of rights for persons with autism or autism spectrum disorders
In Assembly Committee · Mental Health · Sponsor Aileen Gunther
Full text
The text isn't available here yet. Check nysenate.gov.
Sponsor's memo
BILL NUMBER:S2148
Title of bill
An act to amend the mental hygiene law, in relation to defining a bill of rights for persons with autism or autism spectrum disorders
Purpose
This bill would provide persons diagnosed with autism and autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) certain rights with respect to the funding of research and provision of treatment.
Summary of provisions
Section 1 amends Mental Hygiene Law by adding section 16.39, which establishes a bill of rights for persons diagnosed with autism or ASDs.
Subsection (a) guarantees equitable insurance coverage for individuals diagnosed with autism or ASDs.
Subsection (b) accords such persons rights including: increased funding of autism and ASDs research; access to a comprehensive continuum of care; treatment within a coordinated system of agencies; receipt of care in-home, as well as at treatment centers proximately located to the patient's residence; family-driven and patient-focused treatment by highly qualified professionals; and access to all information necessary facilitate informed consent.
Justification
Although estimates vary, Autism and Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) presently affect one in every 91 to 150 children. Given the high rate of incidence, which has increased dramatically in recent years, New York State must address the basic needs of its growing population of citizens impacted by Autism and ASDs.
In its 2010 report, the New York State Interagency Task Force on Autism, identified "five pressing needs" of those affected by Autism and ASDs: early identification, coordination of State services, lifelong service delivery, increased dissemination of information, and coordination of research efforts.
This bill will address these needs by securing fundamental rights to research, treatment, information and insurance coverage for individuals and their families.
Legislative history
New bill.
Fiscal implications
None.
Local fiscal implications
None.
Effective date
This act shall take effect immediately.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.