ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Fifty-seventh Legislature

First Regular Session

Senate: FIN DP 6-1-0-0 | 3rd Read 24-3-3-0

SB 1590: mental health; autism; insurance coverage

Sponsor: Senator Shamp, LD 29

Committee on Health & Human Services

Overview

Repeals the maximum benefit limitations for behavioral therapy coverage for eligible persons who are 16 years old and younger and revises the definition of autism spectrum disorder.

History

Coverage for behavioral therapy is subject to a: 1) $50,000 maximum benefit per year for an eligible person up to the age of 9; and 2) $25,000 maximum benefit per year for an eligible person who is between the ages of 9 and 16.

Autism spectrum disorder means one of the three following disorders as defined in the most recent edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders of the American Psychiatric Association: 1) autistic disorder; 2) Asperger's syndrome; and 3) pervasive developmental disorder – not otherwise specified.

Behavioral therapy means interactive therapies derived from evidence-based research, including applied behavior analysis, which includes discrete trial training, pivotal response training, intensive intervention programs and early intensive behavioral intervention (A.R.S. §§ 20-826.04, 20-1057.11, 20-1402.03 and 20-1404.03).

Provisions

1. Repeals the maximum benefit limitation on behavioral therapy for eligible persons who are 16 years old and younger. (Sec. 1-4)

2. Modifies the definition of autism spectrum disorder to mean a pervasive, developmental disorder that meets the criteria for autism spectrum disorder as defined in the most recent edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders of the American Psychiatric Association. (Sec. 1-4)

3. Makes technical and conforming changes. (Sec. 1-4)

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7. SB 1590

8. Initials AG/AB Page 0 Health & Human Services

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