MS HB885

Requires health insurance policies to cover screening, diagnosis, and treatment of autism spectrum disorder effective January 1, 2016, with coverage limits of 25 hours per week and ending at age 8 for applied behavior analysis services.

Prohibits insurers from terminating or refusing coverage solely because an individual is diagnosed with or receives treatment for autism spectrum disorder, with coverage subject to the same deductibles and coinsurance as other medical benefits.

Establishes the Mississippi Autism Board with five members to license and regulate behavior analysts and assistant behavior analysts, requiring current certification by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board.

Sets eligibility requirements for licensed behavior analysts (master's degree minimum) and licensed assistant behavior analysts (bachelor's degree minimum), with criminal history background checks required for all applicants.

Allows small employers with 100 or fewer employees to charge plan participants for additional autism spectrum disorder coverage and exempts school board employees from licensing requirements when performing regular job duties.