Relates to developing comprehensive care centers for autism spectrum disorders

1 Co-sponsor

• Joseph E. Robach

BILL NUMBER:S1881A

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 four Comprehensive Autism Assessment Centers that are designed to ensure that children with Autism Spectrum Disorders will receive a comprehensive assessment that will lead to the development of more effective interventions.

Summary of provisions

Section 1: Amends subdivision 1 of section 2801 of the Public Health Law by adding "a comprehensive autism assessment center" to the definition of "Hospital."

Section 2: Amends section 2801 of the Public Health Law by adding a new subdivision 11 which refers to the definition of a Comprehensive Autism Assessment Center as included in section 2825 of the Public Health Law.

Section 3: Amends the Public Health Law by adding a new section 2825 which defines 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 appropriate treatment plan.

Section 4: Effective date.

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 necessary information upon which an appropriate treatment plan can be developed. At this time, the infrastructure does not exist which is necessary to provide this comprehensive level of assessment. This legislation will allow for the establishment of four centers which will meet this objective.

Legislative history

S.6169 of 2012: Died in Senate Health, Died in Assembly Ways and Means A.413 of 2011: Died in Assembly Ways and Means A.8906-D of 2010: Died in Assembly Ways and Means, Died in Senate Health A.8906-B of 2009:Died in Assembly Health, Died in Senate Health

Fiscal implications

Undetermined.

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately.