Effective 28 Aug 2018

633.200. Commission established, members, duties. — 1. For purposes of this section, the term "autism spectrum disorder" shall be defined as in standard diagnostic criteria for pervasive developmental disorder, to include autistic disorder; Asperger's syndrome; pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified; childhood disintegrative disorder; and Rett's syndrome.

2. There is hereby created the "Missouri Commission on Autism Spectrum Disorders" to be housed within the department of mental health. The department of mental health shall provide technical and administrative support as required by the commission. The commission shall meet on at least four occasions annually, including at least two occasions before the end of December of the first year the commission is fully established. The commission may hold meetings by telephone or video conference. The commission shall advise and make recommendations to the governor, general assembly, and relevant state agencies regarding matters concerning all state levels of autism spectrum disorder services, including health care, education, and other adult and adolescent services.

3. The commission shall be composed of twenty-four members, consisting of the following:

(1) Four members of the general assembly, with two members from the senate and two members from the house of representatives. The president pro tem of the senate shall appoint one member from the senate and the minority leader of the senate shall appoint one member from the senate. The speaker of the house shall appoint one member from the house of representatives and the minority leader of the house shall appoint one member from the house of representatives;

(2) The director of the department of mental health, or his or her designee;

(3) The commissioner of the department of elementary and secondary education, or his or her designee;

(4) The director of the department of health and senior services, or his or her designee;

(5) The director of the department of public safety, or his or her designee;

(6) The commissioner of the department of higher education and workforce development, or his or her designee;

(7) The director of the department of social services, or his or her designee;

(8) The director of the department of commerce and insurance, or his or her designee;

(9) Two representatives from different institutions of higher learning located in Missouri;

(10) An individual employed as a director of special education at a school district located in Missouri;

(11) A speech and language pathologist;

(12) A diagnostician;

(13) A mental health provider;

(14) A primary care physician;

(15) Two parents of individuals with autism spectrum disorder, including one parent of an individual under the age of eighteen and one parent of an individual over the age of eighteen;

(16) Two individuals with autism spectrum disorder;

(17) A representative from an independent private provider or nonprofit provider or organization;

(18) A member of a county developmental disability board.

­­The members of the commission, other than the members from the general assembly and ex-officio members, shall be appointed by the director of the department of mental health. A chair of the commission shall be selected by the members of the commission. Of the members first appointed to the commission by the governor, half shall serve a term of four years and half shall serve a term of two years, and thereafter, members shall serve a term of four years and may be reappointed. Members shall continue to serve until their successor is duly appointed and qualified. Any vacancy on the commission shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment. Members shall serve on the commission without compensation but may be reimbursed for their actual and necessary expenses from moneys appropriated to the department of mental health.

4. The members of the commission shall consist of a broad representation of Missouri citizens, both urban and rural, who are concerned with the health and quality of life for individuals with autism spectrum disorder.

5. The commission shall make recommendations for developing a comprehensive statewide plan for an integrated system of training, treatment, and services for individuals of all ages with autism spectrum disorder. By July 1, 2009, the commission shall issue preliminary findings and recommendations to the general assembly.

6. In preparing the state plan, the commission shall specifically perform the following responsibilities and report on them accordingly, in conjunction with state agencies and the office of autism services:

(1) Study and report on the means for developing a comprehensive, coordinated system of care delivery across the state to address the increased and increasing presence of autism spectrum disorder and ensure that resources are created, well-utilized, and appropriately spread across the state:

(a) Determine the need for the creation of additional centers for diagnostic excellence in designated sectors of the state, which could provide clinical services, including assessment, diagnoses, and treatment of patients;

(b) Plan for effectively evaluating regional service areas throughout the state and their capacity, including outlining personnel and skills that exist within the service area, other capabilities that exist, and resource needs that may be unmet;

(c) Assess the need for additional behavioral intervention capabilities and, as necessary, the means for expanding those capabilities in a regional service area;

(d) Develop recommendations for expanding these services in conjunction with hospitals after considering the resources that exist in terms of specialty clinics and hospitals, and hospital inpatient care capabilities;

(2) Conduct an assessment of the need for coordinated, enhanced and targeted special education capabilities within each region of the state;

(3) Develop a recommendation for enlisting appropriate universities and colleges to ensure support and collaboration in developing certification or degree programs for students specializing in autism spectrum disorder intervention. This may include degree programs in education, special education, social work, and psychology; and

(4) Other responsibilities may include but not be limited to:

(a) Provide recommendations regarding training programs and the content of training programs being developed;

(b) Recommend individuals to participate in a committee of major stakeholders charged with developing screening, diagnostic, assessment, and treatment standards for Missouri;

(c) Participate in recommending a panel of qualified professionals and experts to review existing models of evidence-based educational practices for adaptation specific to Missouri;

(d) Examine the barriers to accurate information of the prevalence of individuals with autism spectrum disorder across the state and recommend a process for accurate reporting of demographic data;

(e) Explore the need for the creation of interagency councils and evaluation of current councils to ensure a comprehensive, coordinated system of care for all individuals with autism spectrum disorder;

(f) Study or explore other developmental delay disorders and genetic conditions known to be associated with autism, including fragile X syndrome; Sotos syndrome; Angelman syndrome; and tuberous sclerosis.

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(L. 2008 S.B. 768, A.L. 2018 S.B. 843)