MD HB901

Public schools must recognize a student's external autism diagnosis from qualified professionals (including developmental pediatricians, clinical psychologists, psychiatrists, licensed clinical social workers with autism training, and speech-language pathologists or occupational therapists working on multidisciplinary diagnostic teams) until the school completes its own initial evaluation

Schools must initiate a school-based evaluation within 30 days of receiving both an external autism diagnosis and written parental consent

During the evaluation period, schools must provide the student with supports recommended in the external diagnosis

Schools may substitute alternative supports only when a specific recommendation conflicts with federal or state law or presents a safety risk

Supports must continue until the school-based evaluation is completed and a determination is made about ongoing services; effective July 1, 2026