CO SB015

Clarifies that autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a mental disorder under Colorado mental health parity laws, requiring health benefit plans to provide ASD coverage no less extensive than coverage for physical illness.

Eliminates limits on the number of services or visits for ASD treatment in health benefit plans, removing previous actuarial equivalency requirements that contradicted federal and state mental health parity laws.

Expands the definition of qualified autism services providers to include registered behavior technicians certified by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board or similar organizations working under supervision.

Repeals section 10-16-104.5, which previously classified autism as not a mental illness, eliminating regulatory confusion by establishing ASD as a covered mental health condition.

Takes effect January 1, 2017, for all health benefit plans issued, delivered, or renewed on or after that date, subject to referendum petition provisions.