Signed by Governor John Lynch

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that expands the mandatory coverage requirements for insurers with respect to the treatment of pervasive developmental disorder or autism beginning 60 days after the date of enactment.

Highlights:

-Expands coverage requirements to include the following (Sec. 2):

-Professional services and treatment programs, including applied behavioral analysis, provided by a pervasive developmental disorder or autism service provider to produce socially significant improvements in human behavior or to prevent loss of attained skill or function; -Medications and health-related services necessary to determine the need or effectiveness of medication; -Direct or consultative services provided by a licenses psychiatrist, advanced practice registered nurse, psychologist, or clinical social worker; and -Services provided by a licensed speech therapist, occupational therapist, or physical therapist.

-Requires the treatment, including the frequency and duration of treatment, to be covered in a written plan signed by a licensed physician, advanced practice registered nurse, or psychologist stating that the treatment is medically necessary and is consistent with nationally recognized treatment standards for such conditions (Sec. 30).

Full Bill Text