HB 459 Summary

• Creates Section 381.986 requiring physicians to screen minors for autism spectrum disorder per American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines when parents report symptoms, and to refer to an appropriate specialist if medically necessary.

• Defines "appropriate specialist" as a qualified professional licensed in Florida experienced in autism spectrum disorder evaluation with training in validated diagnostic tools, including psychologists, psychiatrists, neurologists, and developmental or behavioral pediatricians.

• Requires health insurers and health maintenance organizations to provide direct patient access (without referral) to appropriate specialists for minimum of three visits per policy year for screening, evaluation, or diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder for eligible individuals under 18 or high school students.

• Mandates coverage for autism spectrum disorder treatment including speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and applied behavior analysis, limited to $36,000 annually and $200,000 lifetime maximum benefits.

• Effective date: July 1, 2013.