SS SCS SB 768 -- MISSOURI COMMISSION ON AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS

SPONSOR:  Rupp (Scharnhorst)

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass" by the Committee on Health
Care Policy by a vote of 7 to 0.

This substitute defines "autism spectrum disorders" to include
autism, pervasive developmental disorder, Asperger's syndrome,
childhood disintegrative disorder, and Rett's syndrome and
establishes the Missouri Commission on Autism Spectrum Disorders
within the Department of Mental Health to advise and make
recommendations regarding all levels of autism spectrum disorder
services.

The substitute requires the commission to:

(1)  Study and report on the means for developing a
comprehensive, coordinated statewide delivery system and ensure
that resources are created, well-utilized, and appropriately
spread across the state;

(2)  Conduct a needs assessment for coordinated, enhanced, and
targeted special education capabilities within each region of the
state;

(3)  Develop a recommendation for enlisting appropriate
universities and colleges to develop certification or degree
programs for students specializing in autism spectrum disorder
intervention;

(4)  Make recommendations for developing a comprehensive
statewide plan for an integrated system of training, treatment,
and services for individuals of all ages with autism spectrum
disorders;

(5)  Meet at least four times annually including at least two
times before December 31 of the first year the commission is
fully established; and

(6)  Report its preliminary findings and recommendations to the
General Assembly by July 1, 2009.

The substitute establishes the Office of Autism Services in the
Division of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities
within the Department of Mental Health to provide leadership in
program development for children and adults with autism spectrum
disorders including program standards and the coordination of
program capacity.

FISCAL NOTE:  Estimated Cost on General Revenue Fund of $181,683
in FY 2009, $221,095 in FY 2010, and $227,726 in FY 2011.  No
impact on Other State Funds in FY 2009, FY 2010, and FY 2011.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that the bill is a result of the work
of the Blue Ribbon Panel on Autism, and the Department of Mental
Health is excited about the creation of the commission.

Testifying for the bill were Senator Rupp; and Department of
Mental Health.

OPPONENTS:  There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

Missouri House of Representatives
94th General Assembly, 2nd Regular Session
Last Updated October 15, 2008 at 3:12 pm