Senator Portantino’s Access to Autism Treatment Effort Heads to Governor’s Desk

Wednesday, August 31 2022

For Immediate Release: August 31, 2022

Contact: Lerna Shirinian, (818) 409-0400

 

Senator Portantino’s Access to Autism Treatment Effort Heads to Governor’s Desk

Sacramento, California – Senate Bill 562, authored by Senator Anthony J. Portantino (D – Burbank), passed the Legislature and is headed to the Governor’s desk.  The measure seeks to eliminate barriers to help patients with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) access more options of Behavior Health Treatment (BHT).

“Children need care tailored to their individual needs, prescribed by their physician or psychologist who knows them best,” stated Senator Portantino.  “SB 562 will allow families to have a choice of intervention approaches in a timely manner.  Early intervention is the key to helping children live up to their potential and health insurance coverage for behavioral health treatment is critical.”

Current law requires that health insurance companies cover all physician or psychologist prescribed medically necessary, evidence-based BHT for ASD.  Due to a loophole in the law, many patients with ASD are being denied coverage for physician and psychologist prescribed evidence-based BHT.  In some cases, coverage is only being offered for one form of BHT.  A shortage of network providers has also created a six to twelve month wait list for BHT services.

SB 562 also details the requirements for a Qualified Autism Service Paraprofessional to ensure health insurance coverage.  The measure will protect the interests of California consumers and the state by closing the loopholes in the law and ensuring that every Californian is covered.

"The DIR/Floortime Coalition of California wants to thank Senator Portantino for his support of California families,” Dr. Andrea Davis, Chair, DIR/Floortime Coalition of California and Director of the Greenhouse Therapy Center.  “Senate Bill 562 will help Californians with autism receive the treatment prescribed by their physician treatment that they both need and deserve.  For too long, Californians on the spectrum have only been covered for one type of behavioral health treatment.  This legislation will correct that and allow Californians to receive the physician prescribed, medically necessary, evidence-based treatment tailored specifically for them.  Not all Californians with autism are alike.  They deserve a treatment plan tailored to their specific circumstances and needs.  Treatments tailored specifically for the client will allow them to achieve their full potential and lower costs for the state, for the insurance company, and for the family.  We are happy to support this much needed legislation."

SB 562 is sponsored by the DIR/Floortime Coalition of California, Professional Child Development Associates, Greenhouse Therapy Center, and Cherry Crisp Entertainment and Productions. Supporters of the bill include: Child Development Associates, Fresno City College, Holding Hands Pediatric Therapy and Adult Services, NeuroRelational Framework Institute, Positive Development, the Washington Elks Therapy Programs for Children, INC., and Touchstone Family Development Center.

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