Center for Behavioral Research and Services
August, 2009
August 25, 2009
On August 13, 2009, Governor Jon S. Corzine enacted landmark legislation that, for the first time, requires New Jersey health insurers to provide coverage for screening for autism and other developmental disabilities as well as evidence-based behavioral interventions and any medically-necessary occupational, physical and speech therapy. Hosted by Children's Specialized Hospital in New Brunswick, the event represented the culmination of months of advocacy spearheaded by Autism New Jersey and families across the Garden State.
In attendance were more than 100 families and individuals whose lives have been touched by autism.
The legislation, S1650/A2238, requires insurance companies to provide coverage of evidence-based, medically necessary autism therapies. The new law covers up to $36,000 annually for a child with autism who is 21 years of age or younger. Coverage includes Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, which is recognized as an effective, evidence-based treatment for children with autism.
The bill was championed by New Jersey Assembly Speaker Joseph Roberts, Jr. (Primary Sponsor). Also providing critical leadership were Senate Health and Human Services Committee Chairman and primary sponsor Joseph Vitale, Assemblyman Vincent Prieto (Primary Sponsor), Assemblywoman Joan Voss (Primary Sponsor), Assemblyman Peter Biondi (Co-Sponsor), Assemblyman Upendra Chivukula (Co-Sponsor), Assemblyman Patrick Diegnan (Co-Sponsor), and Senator Loretta Weinberg (Co-Sponsor).
To learn more, visit http://autismnj.org/Learnaboutcurrentautismpolicyinitiatives.aspx
To access the legislation, visit http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/2008/Bills/S2000/1651_U1.HTM
July, 2009
July 29, 2009
Read about the Colorado Autism Insurance Bill.
July 20, 2009
The New Jersey Association for Behavior Analysis' Spring 2009 newsletter contains an interview with Dr. Murray Sidman, an article review about the effects of a casein/gluten free diet, a book review about effective practices for ASD, and a description of the ABA higher education programs at Rutgers University. Download it at www.njaba.org
July 15, 2009
A draft of the Pennsylvania law certifying Behavior Specialists has been released for comment.
June 30, 2009
Please support the Autism Treatment Acceleration Act by contacting your Senator and Representative today. You can find out how to advocate for this important national legislation here. Don't delay.
Oklahoma is First State to License Behavior Analysts
To read more about this groundbreaking legislation, please click here.
Contact Information:
Telephone:
856-256-5470
E-mail: abacenter@rowan.edu
Location: Robinson Hall, First Floor
Page revised
10/12/09
Center for Behavioral Research & Services •abacenter@rowan.edu•856-256-5470
