BILL ANALYSIS

S.B. 519

By: Deuell

Public Health

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

It has been reported that the board of trustees of the American Psychiatric Association recently approved the latest version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5), which will be released during the association's meeting in May of 2013.  Texas statute defines "autism and other pervasive developmental disorders," but the definition references the fourth edition of the manual. S.B. 519 seeks to address this issue.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.

ANALYSIS

S.B. 519 amends the Human Resources Code to update the definition of "autism and other pervasive developmental disorders" by referencing, in that definition, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5), 5th Edition, rather than the 4th Edition of that manual.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2013.