The Department of Managed Health Care (DMHC) has convened the Autism Advisory Task Force called for in Senate Bill 946 authored by Senate President Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg (Chapter 650, Statutes 2011). The Task Force is charged with developing recommendations regarding medically necessary behavioral health treatment for individuals with autism or pervasive developmental disorder (collectively referred to as “autism”), as well as the appropriate qualifications, training and education for providers of such treatment.
Specifically, the Task Force will focus on:
- Scientifically validated Interventions that have demonstrated clinical efficacy and measurable treatment outcomes
- Patient selection, monitoring and duration of therapy
- Qualifications, training and supervision of providers
- Provider network adequacy
- Requirements that unlicensed providers must meet in order to obtain licensure from the state.
The 18-member Task Force is comprised of a diverse group of researchers, providers, advocates and experts charged with developing recommendations for state policy makers on behavioral health treatment for people with autism. The work of the Task Force will be grounded in evidence-based research about interventions that have measurable treatment outcomes.
All Task Force meetings are open to the public. Information, including agendas, meeting schedules and informational materials are available on the DMHC’s website.
Members of the public may attend the Task Force meetings in-person or participate via phone by calling the following toll-free phone number: 1-800-309-2350, Conference ID: 288476 (spells AUTISM). Task Force meetings are audio-recorded and posted on the DMHC’s website.
The DMHC will submit the Task Force report to the Governor and Legislature by December 31, 2012, at which time the Task Force will disband.
For more information, contact autismtaskforce@dmhc.ca.gov
