HB6057 96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

LRB096 19657 KTG 36575 b

96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY
State of Illinois
2009 and 2010
HB6057

Introduced 2/10/2010, by Rep. Chapin Rose

SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:

20 ILCS 1705/57.7 new

Amends the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Administrative Act. Creates the Coordinated Autism Services Program for Medically Underserved and Rural Areas. Provides that under the program, the Department of Human Services, in cooperation with the Department of Public Health and the Department of Healthcare and Family Services, shall create regional pilot programs focusing on the coordination of services to individuals with autism spectrum disorders living in rural or medically underserved areas. Provides that components of the program may include (1) the development of a coordinated service delivery network which allows individuals to access a full range of comprehensive therapeutic services in one central location; (2) the development of central resource centers; and (3) informal conferences, training sessions, and peer networks.

FISCAL NOTE ACT MAY APPLY

A BILL FOR

AN ACT concerning State government.

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois, represented in the General Assembly:

Section 5. The Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Administrative Act is amended by adding Section 57.7 as follows:

(20 ILCS 1705/57.7 new)

Sec. 57.7. Coordinated Autism Services Program for Medically Underserved and Rural Areas. The Department of Human Services, in cooperation with the Department of Public Health and the Department of Healthcare and Family Services, shall establish the Coordinated Autism Services Program for Medically Underserved and Rural Areas. Under the program, the Departments shall create regional pilot programs focusing on the coordination of services to individuals with autism spectrum disorders living in rural or medically underserved areas. Components of the program may include:

(1) Development of a coordinated service delivery network which allows individuals to access a full range of comprehensive therapeutic services in one central location, including access to speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, behavioral therapy, feeding therapy, and social skill groups.

(2) Development of central resource centers, which may include the use of existing libraries, public health departments, and clearing houses, including a public information campaign to ensure that individuals and families are aware of such resource centers. In addition to written materials, resource centers may include additional resources such as Internet access, printers, and laminators to allow families to create unique supports.

(3) Central resources centers may also serve to facilitate informational conferences, training sessions, and peer networks to provide information in an interactive setting to parents and other individuals who may have regular contact with autistic children and adults.