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HF 2167
A bill for an act relating to the definition of autism spectrum disorder for purposes of certain health care coverage, making conforming changes, and including applicability provisions. (Formerly HSB 512.) Effective date: 07/01/2022. Applicability date: 01/01/2023.
Agenda
Subcommittee members: Sinclair-CH, Johnson, Quirmbach
Date: Tuesday, March 1, 2022
Time: 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Location: Room G15
Comments Submitted:
The purpose of comments is to provide information to members of the subcommittee.
Names and comments are public records. Remaining information is considered a confidential record.

03-01-2022
Cheryll Jones []
I am writing regarding HF 2167 , A bill for an act relating to the definition of autism spectrum disorder for purposes of certain health care coverage, making conforming changes, and including applicability provisions. (Formerly HSB 512.)In 2018 the Iowa legislature passed and the Governor signed insurance coverage for Applied Behavior Analysis therapy for insurance plans regulated in Iowa. HF 2167 provides update regarding that legislation as well as the state employee benefit plan. There are two conflicting definitions of autism in the Iowa code one in the state employee benefit plan that defines autism as a behavioral health condition and the other in the insurance plan code section that defines autism as a medical condition. This bill updates both definitions to be consistent with current medical diagnosis and practice and eliminate that conflict. This changes the definition of autism from a medical condition to a mental health condition/neurodevelopmental disorder, which is consistent with current medical practice.In my work with children and youth with special health care needs I provide evaluation and screening to identify children with autism and get them referred for further evaluation and treatment. Under the current definition of autism, it is often difficult for families to access the services their children need. Changing the definition to mental health/neurodevelopmental disorder will help families to access much needed services for their children.Please contact me if you have any questions.Thank you.Cheryll Jones, ARNP, CPNP,FAANPBloomfield, Iowabacjonesnetins.net