AR HB1545

Amends Arkansas Code § 20-77-124 to redefine autism spectrum disorder diagnosis as requiring assessment by at least two qualified professionals (licensed physician, psychologist, or speech-language pathologist) who conclude a child meets diagnostic criteria in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.

Changes Department of Human Services language from "seek" to "maintain" a Medicaid waiver for intensive early intervention treatment services for eligible children ages 18 months through 7 years with autism spectrum disorder, with a $50,000 annual cap per child and maximum 3-year participation limit.

Removes the January 1, 2016 deadline and replaces it with language conditioning additional waiver eligibility slots on appropriated and available funding rather than a specific deadline.

Updates Arkansas Code § 23-99-418(a) to modernize terminology by changing "speech therapists" to "speech-language pathologists" and updating the definition of autism spectrum disorder to reference current diagnostic criteria in the American Psychiatric Association's manual.

Clarifies that diagnostic evaluations for autism spectrum disorder do not need to be completed concurrently and updates definitions of "board-certified behavior analyst" and "qualified professional" to reflect current national standards and certification requirements.