as introduced - 86th Legislature (2009 - 2010) Posted on 02/09/2010 01:53am
A bill for an act
relating to insurance; specifying required behavioral health coverage for children
and young adults who have autism spectrum disorder; proposing coding for new
law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 62Q.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:
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(a) For purposes of this section, the terms defined in
this subdivision have the meanings given.
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(b) "Autism spectrum disorders" or "ASD" means one or more of the following
conditions as determined by the criteria set forth in the most recent edition of the
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders of the American Psychiatric
Association (DSM-IV Manual):
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(1) autism or autistic disorder;
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(2) Asperger's syndrome;
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(3) Fragile X syndrome;
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(4) Rett's syndrome;
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(5) childhood disintegrative disorder; or
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(6) pervasive developmental disorder, not otherwise specified.
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(b) "Generally recognized services for treatment of autism spectrum disorder"
includes, but is not limited to:
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(1) evaluation and assessment services;
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(2) applied behavioral analysis;
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(3) behavior training and behavior management;
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(4) speech therapy;
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(5) occupational therapy;
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(6) physical therapy; and
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(7) medications and nutritional supplements.
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(a) Health plan coverage of treatment for autism
spectrum disorders, to the extent that the treatment consists of mental health services, is
subject to section 62Q.47. This section does not limit coverage required under section
62Q.47 that applies to autism spectrum disorders.
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(b) Health plan coverage of treatment for autism spectrum disorders, to the extent
the treatment does not consist of mental health services, is subject to this subdivision and
must comply with the parity requirements of section 62Q.47 on the same basis as mental
health services, except as otherwise expressly provided in this section.
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Coverage required under subdivision 2,
paragraph (b):
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(1) must cover all generally recognized services related to autism spectrum disorder;
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(2) may be limited to patients who are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder at
age 25 or younger;
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(3) may end at age 25; and
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(4) may be limited to treatment prescribed by the patient's licensed health care
provider under a treatment plan approved by the health plan company.
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This section is effective August 1, 2009, and applies to
coverage offered, sold, issued, or renewed on or after that date.
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