ND HB1038

State Department of Health establishes and administers an autism spectrum disorder database requiring reports from doctoral-level licensed professionals with diagnoses per DSM criteria and complete physical evaluations by physicians, with mandatory reporting rules adopted by the health council.

Department of Human Services establishes a voucher program pilot project beginning July 1, 2014, providing up to $12,500 per year to individuals ages 3-17 below 200% federal poverty level for equipment, assistive technology, training materials, sensory equipment, respite care, and related services, excluding early intensive behavioral intervention methods.

Department of Human Services seeks federal approval to expand autism spectrum disorder Medicaid waiver to cover 17 additional individuals from birth through age 7, effective January 1, 2014 or later, including behavior intervention, case management, technology support, and respite care services.

Legislative Management studies autism spectrum disorder services during 2013-14 interim to identify the most feasible service delivery system for individuals not in the developmental disability system, with findings reported to the 64th legislative assembly.

Total appropriations of $1,632,959 in general funds and $665,114 in federal/special funds for the database ($235,732), state autism coordinator ($132,568 each source), training program ($80,000 each source), voucher program ($539,186), and Medicaid waiver expansion ($449,973 each source) for fiscal years 2014-2015.