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ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Fifth Legislature, First 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 (CDC). According to
the Arizona Department of Health Services, 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.
According to a Joint Legislative Budget Committee fiscal note for a similar measure considered during the 2020 legislative session, there is an estimated annual impact of $16.4 million to the state General Fund associated with this legislation (JLBC Fiscal Note).
Provisions
1. Modifies the definition of developmental disability to include a severe, chronic disability that is attributable to spina bifida.
2. Defines spina bifida.
3. Makes technical changes.
4. Becomes effective on the general effective date.
Prepared by Senate Research
January 22, 2021
CRS/kja