McDonnell signs emergency autism legislation

Gov. Bob McDonnell on Tuesday signed House Bill 1106, which covers providers of applied behavior analysis under last year’s autism insurance legislation, into law.

After the 2011 General Assembly adjourned, the Attorney General’s office notified the Board of Medicine they were not authorized by the underlying legislation, House Bill 2467, to promulgate regulations for the licensure of Certified Behavior Analysts. Certified Behavior Analysts provide Applied Behavioral Analysis, the preferred method of treatment, to children diagnosed with autism.

To correct this issue, Delegate Tag Greason (R-Loudoun) offered House Bill 1106, which clarifies the ability of the Board of Medicine to promulgate regulations implementing last year’s autism insurance legislation.

“After years of hard work and coordination, hundreds of children will finally get the help they need to make a real difference in the treatment of autism spectrum disorders,” said Greason. “I’m appreciative of all the help I’ve received over the last two years from my colleagues in the House of Delegates and advocates from across the Commonwealth.”

“Recognizing that thousands of families across Virginia are affected by autism spectrum disorders, the General Assembly passed landmark legislation last year requiring insurance coverage of autism treatment and therapy for children ages two through six,” said Speaker of the House William J. Howell (R-Stafford). “In developing that legislation, my colleagues and I worked very hard to balance the needs of families with the interests of the business community. The final product was legislation that provides for autistic children with minimal impact on premiums.”