HI HCR177

Requests the Legislative Reference Bureau to conduct a comprehensive study on requiring insurance coverage for diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorders in Hawaii.

Directs the study to assess how the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act impacts proposed insurance coverage mandates for autism spectrum disorder treatments.

Requires analysis of costs based on actual experiences in other states, with 29 states already mandating such coverage, and evaluation of impacts on Hawaii state-financed programs including the Employer-Union Health Benefits Trust Fund and QUEST programs.

Mandates the study include clinical treatment guidelines from organizations such as the American Academy of Pediatrics and National Institute of Mental Health, plus information on autism treatments covered in other states.

Requires the Legislative Reference Bureau to report findings and recommendations to the Legislature no later than 20 days before the 2013 Regular Session convenes.