HF 2167: Relating to the definition of autism spectrum disorder for purposes of certain health care coverage, making conforming changes, and including applicability provisions

What it does

This bill is related to the definition of autism spectrum disorder for purposes of certain health care coverage. Under current law, “autism spectrum disorders” is defined as any of the pervasive developmental disorders including autistic disorder, Asperger’s disorder, and pervasive developmental disorders not otherwise specified. The commissioner of insurance, by rule, is required to define “autism spectrum disorders” consistent with definitions provided in the most recent edition of the American psychiatric association’s diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders, and may adopt the definitions provided in the manual by reference.

Senate subcommittee · named February 24, 2022

• Sen. Amy Sinclair (R) · amy.sinclair@legis.iowa.gov
• Sen. Craig Johnson (R) · craig.johnson@legis.iowa.gov
• Sen. Herman C. Quirmbach (D) · herman.quirmbach@legis.iowa.gov

Lobbying · 20 for, 0 against

For: American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy; Autism Speaks; CHILDSERVE; Easterseals Iowa; Exceptional Persons, Inc.; Hills and Dales; Hope Haven Area Development Center; Imagine the Possibilities; Iowa Association of Community Providers; Iowa Chapter of the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners; Iowa Mental Health Counselors Association; Iowa Nurse Practitioners Society; and 8 more

In plain words

1. January 31, 2022Filed in the House
2. February 22, 2022Passed the House, 95–0
3. February 23, 2022Arrived in the Senate
4. February 24, 2022Senate subcommittee named: Sinclair, Johnson and Quirmbach
5. March 1, 2022Subcommittee recommended passing it
6. March 2, 2022Approved by the Senate committee
7. March 23, 2022Passed the Senate, 50–0
8. April 21, 2022Sent to the Governor
9. April 21, 2022Signed into law