Senate Bill 2581 Summary

• Health insurance policies must cover screening, diagnosis, and treatment of autism spectrum disorder for policies delivered, issued, or renewed in Mississippi on or after January 1, 2016, with coverage not subject to less favorable dollar limits or deductibles than other medical benefits.

• Applied behavior analysis coverage is limited to 25 hours per week with no more than 10 hours per week from a licensed behavior analyst, and coverage is not required beyond age 8, though extensions may be approved for medical necessity.

• Establishes the Mississippi Autism Board consisting of five members appointed by the Governor and Lieutenant Governor to license and regulate the practice of applied behavior analysis and discipline licensees.

• Licensed behavior analysts must hold at least a master's degree and current Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) or BCBA-Doctoral certification; licensed assistant behavior analysts must hold a bachelor's degree and Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCABA) certification.

• Prohibits unlicensed individuals from practicing applied behavior analysis or using the titles "Licensed Behavior Analyst" or "Licensed Assistant Behavior Analyst"; violations are misdemeanors punishable by up to $1,000 fine or 6 months imprisonment.