82R4039 TJS-D
 
  By: Allen H.B. No. 1744
 
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to health benefit plan coverage for certain children
  diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Sections 1355.015(b) and (c), Insurance Code,
  are amended to read as follows:
         (b)  The health benefit plan must provide coverage under this
  section to the enrollee for all generally recognized services
  prescribed in relation to autism spectrum disorder by the
  enrollee's primary care physician in the treatment plan developed
  [recommended] by that physician in consultation with the enrollee's
  parent or guardian.  An individual providing treatment prescribed
  under this subsection must be a health care practitioner:
               (1)  who is licensed, certified, or registered by an
  appropriate agency of this state;
               (2)  whose professional credential is recognized and
  accepted by an appropriate agency of the United States; or
               (3)  who is certified as a provider under the TRICARE
  military health system.
         (c)  For purposes of Subsection (b), "generally recognized
  services" may include services such as:
               (1)  evaluation and assessment services;
               (2)  applied behavior analysis;
               (3)  behavior training and behavior management;
               (4)  speech therapy;
               (5)  occupational therapy;
               (6)  physical therapy; [or]
               (7)  therapy to develop appropriate social, emotional,
  and interpersonal skills; or
               (8)  medications or nutritional supplements used to
  address symptoms of autism spectrum disorder.
         SECTION 2.  The change in law made by this Act applies only
  to a health benefit plan that is delivered, issued for delivery, or
  renewed on or after January 1, 2012. A health benefit plan that is
  delivered, issued for delivery, or renewed before January 1, 2012,
  is covered by the law in effect at the time the health benefit plan
  is delivered, issued for delivery, or renewed, and that law is
  continued in effect for that purpose.
         SECTION 3.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2011.