BILL NUMBER: SB 383	INTRODUCED
	BILL TEXT


INTRODUCED BY   Senator Liu

                        FEBRUARY 26, 2009

   An act to add Section 4643.4 to the Welfare and Institutions Code,
relating to autism.


	LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST


   SB 383, as introduced, Liu. Autism: screening.
   Under existing law, the State Department of Developmental Services
contracts with private nonprofit entities, known as regional
centers, to provide or purchase services and supports for persons
with developmental disabilities, including Autism Spectrum Disorders
(ASD). Existing law requires the department to develop and publish
evaluation and diagnostic procedures for the diagnosis of autism
spectrum disorders and to train regional center clinical staff in the
utilization of those procedures.
   This bill would require the department, not later than October 1,
2011, to provide recommendations for a system of universal screening
for infants, and rescreening of children at 2 years of age, as
specified, and would require the department to seek existing or new
federal funding for this purpose.
   Vote: majority. Appropriation: no. Fiscal committee: yes.
State-mandated local program: no.


THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:

  SECTION 1.  Section 4643.4 is added to the Welfare and Institutions
Code, to read:
   4643.4.  (a) The department shall provide recommendations for a
system of universal screening for infants, and rescreening of
children at two years of age, the age at which some conditions,
including autism spectrum disorders, begin to manifest. These
screenings shall be safe, secure, and available to every Californian
who wants them.
   (b) The department shall seek existing and new federal funds to
accomplish the goal descibed in subdivision (a), to the extent that
this goal can be achieved without statutory changes.
   (c) Not later than October 1, 2011, the department shall submit
the recommendations required pursuant to subdivision (a) to the
Legislature and the Governor.