AL SB57

Establishes a new Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Program administered by the Alabama Department of Mental Health to provide ABA intervention services to children ages birth through 9 with a primary diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder.

Limits ABA intervention payments to a maximum of $40,000 annually per child, with services not provided if the child is already covered by public or private insurance.

Appropriates $3,000,000 from the Education Trust Fund to the Department of Mental Health for fiscal year ending September 30, 2018 to implement and operate the ABA Program.

Requires the State Department of Education, Department of Early Childhood Education, and other educational entities to identify children ages birth through 9 diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and refer them to the Department of Mental Health for ABA services.

Directs the Department of Mental Health to establish program criteria, issue annual reports to the Governor and Legislature, and promulgate rules and regulations to carry out the program provisions.