AB 171, as introduced, Beall. Autism spectrum disorder. (1) Existing law provides for licensing and regulation of health care service plans by the Department of Managed Health Care. A willful violation of these provisions is a crime. Existing law provides for licensing and regulation of health insurers by the Insurance Commissioner. Existing law requires health care service plan contracts and health insurance policies to provide benefits for specified conditions, including certain mental health conditions. This bill would require health care service plan contracts and health insurance policies to provide coverage for the screening, diagnosis, and treatment of autism spectrum disorders. The bill would, however, provide that no benefits are required to be provided by a health benefit plan offered through the California Health Benefit Exchange that exceed the essential health benefits required under federal law. The bill would prohibit coverage from being denied for specified reasons. Because the bill would change the definition of a crime with respect to health care service plans, it would thereby impose a state-mandated local program. (2) The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason. Vote: majority. Appropriation: no. Fiscal committee: yes. State-mandated local program: yes.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
California Mandate Bill
The official digest of AB 171:
