Va. lawmakers break logjam on autism treatment for children

RICHMOND

Relief is on the way for some autistic Virginia children in need of diagnosis and treatment.

The Virginia Senate Monday unanimously approved emergency legislation to fix a flaw in an insurance plan for childhood autism spectrum disorder adopted last year that has delayed extension of that coverage.

The bill from Del. Thomas “Tag” Greason authorizes the State Board of Medicine to develop regulations for the licensure of behavior analysts involved in the treatment of autistic children. That’s a necessary step for the care of children ages 2-6 to be covered by Virginia insurers.

Greason’s bill directs the medicine board to draft temporary regulations within 280 days of its enactment.

If Gov. Bob McDonnell signs it, the bill is set to take effect immediately because four-fifths of the members of both General Assembly chambers voted for it. The House previously approved it on a 96-1 vote.

Lawmakers in 2011 passed a law requiring insurance companies to cover the diagnosis and treatment of young children with autism spectrum disorder, capping annual expenses at $35,000.

That coverage was held up because an amendment from McDonnell required behavior analysts to be licensed by the state for their treatment to be covered by insurance. Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli has said the state lacks that licensing ability.