SB470 Summary

• Changes terminology throughout Alabama Code Title 22 from "intellectual disability" to "developmental disability" and "people with intellectual disabilities" to "people with developmental disabilities" to reflect that intellectual disabilities are a subset of developmental disabilities.

• Amends Section 22-50-2.1 of the Code of Alabama 1975 regarding the Department of Mental Health, allowing a reasonable transition period for materials and supplies bearing the old department name.

• Defines "developmental disability" as a severe, chronic disability manifested before age 22 with substantial functional limitations in three or more major life activities requiring lifelong or extended support services.

• Establishes that "intellectual disability" is a developmental disability attributable to a mental impairment.

• Prohibits the Alabama Medicaid Agency from denying waiver eligibility to applicants with developmental disabilities solely due to lack of an intellectual disability finding if they otherwise meet federal requirements.

• Becomes effective on the first day of the third month following passage and approval by the Governor.