Report Title:

Task Force; Health Coverage; Autism Spectrum Disorders

Description:

Establishes the temporary autism disorders spectrum benefits and coverage task force to research the problems faced by parents of children with autism and what can be done to ensure that proper benefits and services are provided through public and private resources to address the special needs of children with autism, including providing services involving applied behavioral analysis techniques.  (HB2727 CD1)

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	2727
TWENTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE, 2008		H.D. 2
STATE OF HAWAII		S.D. 1
		C.D. 1

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO HEALTH INSURANCE.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  (a)  There is established in the department of health for administrative purposes a temporary autism disorders spectrum benefits and coverage task force.  The children with special health needs branch shall assist the temporary task force by providing a facilitator.  The task force shall discuss and seek input on the problems faced by parents of children with autism and what can be done to ensure that proper health benefits and services are provided through public and private resources to address the special needs of children with autism, including providing services involving applied behavioral analysis techniques.  In addition, the task force shall research health insurance coverage plans that cover autism spectrum disorders in other states and develop a plan of services that health insurers should be mandated to cover.

     (b)  The task force shall consist of nine members as follows:

     (1)  A member of the house of representatives appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives;

     (2)  A member of the senate appointed by the president of the senate;

     (3)  The superintendent of education or the superintendent's designee;

     (4)  The director of human services or the director's designee;

     (5)  The director of health or the director's designee;

     (6)  The insurance commissioner or the insurance commissioner's designee; and

     (7)  Three members appointed by the governor from a list submitted by the speaker of the house of representatives and president of the senate, with each member representing a different organization that represents children with autistic spectrum disorder.

     (c)  Members of the task force shall serve without compensation and shall receive no reimbursement for expenses.

     (d)  The task force shall submit a report of its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2009.

     (e)  The task force shall cease to exist on June 30, 2009.

     SECTION 2.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2008, and shall be repealed on June 30, 2009.