Senate Passes Bill Requiring Coverage of Psychological Services, Pharmaceuticals for Autism Patients

PROVIDENCE, R.I., May 30 -- The Rhode Island General Assembly issued issued the following news release:

A bill ensuring health insurance coverage for psychological or psychiatric services and pharmaceuticals associated with Autism Spectrum Disorders, or ASDs, has received support from the full Senate and will now be sent to the Rhode Island House of Representatives for consideration.

Sponsored by Sen. Edward J. O'Neill (I-Dist. 17, Lincoln, Pawtucket, North Providence), the legislation (2012-S 2560A) also requires individuals providing behavior analysis treatment be licensed by the state Department of Health.

The bill essentially makes technical corrections to the Autism insurance legislation of 2011, which the chamber overwhelmingly supported in the previous session. Additionally, it clarifies the scope of coverage of services and the credentials required for practitioners working with children diagnosed with Autism.

"It's time this state changes its outlook on Autism spectrum disorders and begins to treat them like the serious conditions that they are," Senator O'Neill said. "This is a disability that is becoming more and more prevalent in our children. As we continue to develop new treatments and insight into how these disorders affect people, we need to also ensure that Autism patients can afford to do what is necessary to improve their quality of life."

Autism is a complex developmental disability that usually causes problems with social interaction and communication. Symptoms of the disorder typically begin before age 3 and can cause a range of difficulties in one's skill development from infancy to adulthood. The term "Autism Spectrum Disorder" refers to the range of severity and symptoms of Autism, usually placing a disorder in one of three categories: Autistic Disorder, Asperger Syndrome and Pervasive Developmental Disorder.

Although there is no cure for ASDs, research has shown that early intervention treatment services can have significant positive impacts on a child's development. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that about one in 88 children in the nation have been identified with an ASD.

Co-sponsors of the bill include Senators Rhoda E. Perry (D-Dist. 3, Providence), Hanna M. Gallo (D-Dist. 27, Cranston), Christopher S. Ottiano (R-Dist. 11, Portsmouth, Bristol) and Maryellen Goodwin (D-Dist. 1, Providence). The Senate passed the bill in a vote of 37 to 0. Rep. Peter G. Palumbo (D-Dist. 16, Cranston) sponsors the companion bill (2012-H 7165) in the House.

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