Bill > SB257

This bill revises provisions related to autism diagnosis, assessment, and treatment in Nevada. It broadens the scope of who can diagnose and treat individuals with autism spectrum disorders by allowing any healthcare provider acting within their professional scope to conduct assessments, develop treatment plans, and provide care, rather than limiting these activities to specific licensed professionals like physicians or psychologists. The bill modifies the statewide standard for measuring outcomes and assessing individuals with autism, removing specific requirements about standardized assessment instruments and instead focusing on direct observation by healthcare providers. For insurance purposes, health plans must now accept any autism diagnosis rendered in accordance with the state's standard and must cover diagnosis and treatment by any qualified healthcare provider. The bill applies to various types of health insurance plans, including those for public employees, group health insurance, and managed care organizations. These changes aim to increase flexibility in autism diagnosis and treatment and potentially improve access to care by allowing a wider range of healthcare professionals to provide services. The provisions will become effective on January 1, 2026, with some administrative preparations allowed to begin immediately upon the bill's passage.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

https://www.leg.state.nv.us/App/NELIS/REL/83rd2025/Bill/12405/Overview