FL H0127

Authorizes parents to request and receive permission for student absences from school to receive therapy services for autism spectrum disorder from a licensed health care practitioner or behavior analyst certified under section 393.17.

Requires each district school board to adopt attendance policies that explicitly authorize absences for autism spectrum disorder treatment, including applied behavioral analysis, speech therapy, and occupational therapy.

Adds autism spectrum disorder treatment to the list of conditions exempting parents from responsibility for student nonattendance, allowing such absences to exceed the typical number of days permitted by the district.

Requires students with autism spectrum disorder seeking attendance excuses to be receiving services from a licensed health care practitioner or behavior analyst certified under section 393.17.

Takes effect July 1, 2017.