MA S1046

Bill

To ensure full and equal access to services from the Department of Mental Health for individuals with autism spectrum disorders and related conditions who otherwise meet the eligibility criteria for DMH services

Introduced
04/15/2015

In Committee
04/15/2015

Crossed Over

Passed

Dead
07/31/2016

Introduced Session

189th General Court

Bill Summary

For legislation relative to services for individuals with autism spectrum disorder. Mental Health and Substance Abuse.

AI Summary

This bill aims to ensure that individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and related conditions, such as Social Communication Disorder or Asperger's Disorder, receive full and equal access to services from the Department of Mental Health (DMH) if they otherwise qualify for DMH services. It defines ASD based on persistent deficits in social communication and interaction, and restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities, with symptoms present in early childhood that impair daily functioning. The bill mandates that the DMH will provide emergency, crisis, acute care, and ongoing treatment and support for these individuals, with services designed and delivered by clinicians trained in ASD. For individuals with co-occurring mental health issues and ASD, the DMH will collaborate with the Department of Developmental Services to determine which agency is responsible for service delivery. Additionally, the bill updates language in Chapter 19 of the General Laws to include "intellectual or developmental disabilities" when referring to individuals receiving services, replacing outdated terms like "intellectual disability" and "mentally retarded individuals."

Committee Categories

Health and Social Services

Sponsors (16)

Barbara L'Italien (D)*, Marjorie Decker (D), Marcos Devers (D), Jamie Eldridge (D), Anne Gobi (D), Jonathan Hecht (D), Robert Hedlund (R), Paul Heroux (D), Kevin Honan (D), Brian Joyce (D), Joan Lovely (D), Timothy Madden (D), Alice Peisch (D), Angelo Puppolo (D), Dave Rogers (D), Tom Sannicandro (D),

Last Action

Accompanied a study order, see H4272 (on 05/09/2016)

Official Document

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/189/S1046

(11 Companion Bills)

Version:

Document Type	Source Location
State Bill Page	https://malegislature.gov/Bills/189/S1046
Bill	https://malegislature.gov/Bills/189/S1046.pdf

Bill	Bill Name	Last Action	Type
H1006	Relative to administering national standards to Medicaid medical necessity reviews	Accompanied a study order, see H4635	Similar To
H1061	Relative to equal opportunity for high school graduates in the commonwealth	Accompanied a study order, see H4228	Similar To
H3003	Relative to contract assistance for Central Artery debt of the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority	Accompanied a study order, see H4612	Similar To
H3022	Relative to the display of motor vehicle number plates	Accompanied a study order, see H4610	Similar To
H4272	Behavioral health bills	Discharged to the committee on House Rules	Replaced by
H77	To ensure continued health insurance coverage for children	Accompanied a study order, see H4613	Similar To
S1180	To increase current medical providers' knowledge about autism in order to improve the treatment individuals with autism receive in medical settings	Accompanied a new draft, see S2211	Similar To
S1826	Establishing an autism spectrum disorder designation on driver’s licenses and identification cards and criminal justice training relative to autism spectrum disorders	Accompanied a new draft, see S2178	Similar To
S2178	Establishing an autism spectrum disorder designation on driver’s licenses and identification cards and criminal justice training relative to autism spectrum disorders	Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on Senate Ways and Means	Similar To
S313	To establish a discretionary grant program for students with autism	Accompanied a study order, see S2343	Similar To
S611	To provide equal access to medical treatments essential for people with autism	Accompanied a study order, see S2356	Similar To

Bill > S1046

summary

Introduced Session

Bill Summary

AI Summary

Committee Categories

Sponsors (16)

Last Action

Official Document

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