ARIZONA STATE
SENATE
Fifty-Fourth
Legislature, Second Regular Session
developmental disabilities;
spina bifida
Purpose
Background
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention, Spina Bifida is a type of neural tube defect which is
usually apparent at birth and can cause Chiari II malformation, which can lead
to compression of the spinal cord and cause a variety of symptoms including:
1) difficulties with feeding, swallowing and breathing control; 2) choking; and
3) changes in upper arm function. Additionally, Spina Bifida can cause
hydrocephalus, resulting in extra fluid in and around the brain that can cause
swelling, brain damage and fatality (U.S. CDC). According to the Arizona Department of Health Services (DHS),
approximately 34 babies are born in Arizona with some form of Spina Bifida each
year (DHS).
A developmental disability is a severe, chronic disability which: 1)
is attributable to cognitive disability, cerebral palsy, epilepsy or autism; 2)
is manifested before age 18; 3) is likely to continue indefinitely; and 4) results
in substantial functional limitations in three or more of the following areas
of major life activity: a) self-care; b) receptive and expressive language;
c) learning; d) mobility; e) self-direction; f) capacity for independent living;
and g) economic
self-sufficiency (A.R.S. § 36-551).
The Division of Developmental
Disabilities (DDD) of the Department of Economic Security provides services to
individuals diagnosed with developmental and intellectual disabilities
including cerebral palsy, autism and epilepsy. Services provided by DDD
include:
1) attendant care; 2) habilitation; 3) home health aide; 4) home nursing; 5)
occupational, physical and speech therapies; 6) respite care; and 7) medical
services.
The anticipated fiscal impact to the
state General Fund associated with this legislation is unknown. The measure
adds Spina Bifida as a developmental
disability that would qualify for DDD services.
Provisions
1. Modifies the definition of developmental disability to include a
severe, chronic disability that is attributable to Spina Bifida.
2.
Defines Spina Bifida as a type of neural tube
defect that occurs when a person's neural tube fails to develop or close
properly before birth and of which the severity depends on many factors,
including the size of the spinal opening and the location on the spine.
3.
Makes
technical changes.
4.
Becomes
effective on the general effective date.
Prepared by Senate Research
January 17, 2020
CRS/KS/kja