2017 West Virginia Code
CHAPTER 5. GENERAL POWERS AND AUTHORITY OF THE GOVERNOR, SECRETARY OF STATE AND ATTORNEY GENERAL; BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS; MISCELLANEOUS AGENCIES, COMMISSIONS, OFFICES, PROGRAMS, ETC.
ARTICLE 16B. WEST VIRGINIA CHILDREN'S HEALTH INSURANCE PROGRAM.
§5-16B-6E. Coverage for treatment of autism spectrum disorders.
(a) To the extent that the diagnosis, evaluation and treatment of autism spectrum disorders are not already covered by this agency, on or after January 1, 2012, a policy, plan or contract subject to this section shall provide coverage for such diagnosis, evaluation and treatment, for individuals ages eighteen months to eighteen years. To be eligible for coverage and benefits under this section, the individual must be diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder at age eight or younger. Such policy shall provide coverage for treatments that are medically necessary and ordered or prescribed by a licensed physician or licensed psychologist and in accordance with a treatment plan developed from a comprehensive evaluation by a certified behavior analyst for an individual diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.
(b) The coverage shall include, but not be limited to, applied behavior analysis. Applied behavior analysis shall be provided or supervised by a certified behavior analyst. The annual maximum benefit for applied behavior analysis required by this subsection shall be in an amount not to exceed $30,000 per individual, for three consecutive years from the date treatment commences. At the conclusion of the third year, coverage for applied behavior analysis required by this subsection shall be in an amount not to exceed $2,000 per month, until the individual reaches eighteen years of age, as long as the treatment is medically necessary and in accordance with a treatment plan developed by a certified behavior analyst pursuant to a comprehensive evaluation or reevaluation of the individual. This section shall not be construed as limiting, replacing or affecting any obligation to provide services to an individual under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, 20 U.S.C. 1400 et seq., as amended from time to time, or other publicly funded programs. Nothing in this section shall be construed as requiring reimbursement for services provided by public school personnel.
(c) The certified behavior analyst shall file progress reports with the agency semiannually. In order for treatment to continue, the agency must receive objective evidence or a clinically supportable statement of expectation that:
(1) The individual's condition is improving in response to treatment; and
(2) A maximum improvement is yet to be attained; and
(3) There is an expectation that the anticipated improvement is attainable in a reasonable and generally predictable period of time.
(d) On or before January 1 each year, the agency shall file an annual report with the Joint Committee on Government and Finance describing its implementation of the coverage provided pursuant to this section. The report shall include, but shall not be limited to, the number of individuals in the plan utilizing the coverage required by this section, the fiscal and administrative impact of the implementation, and any recommendations the agency may have as to changes in law or policy related to the coverage provided under this section. In addition, the agency shall provide such other information as may be requested by the Joint Committee on Government and Finance as it may from time to time request.
(e) For purposes of this section, the term:
(1) "Applied Behavior Analysis" means the design, implementation, and evaluation of environmental modifications using behavioral stimuli and consequences, to produce socially significant improvement in human behavior, including the use of direct observation, measurement, and functional analysis of the relationship between environment and behavior.
(2) "Autism spectrum disorder" means any pervasive developmental disorder, including autistic disorder, Asperger's Syndrome, Rett syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder, or Pervasive Development Disorder as defined in the most recent edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders of the American Psychiatric Association.
(3) "Certified behavior analyst" means an individual who is certified by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board or certified by a similar nationally recognized organization.
(4) "Objective evidence" means standardized patient assessment instruments, outcome measurements tools or measurable assessments of functional outcome. Use of objective measures at the beginning of treatment, during and after treatment is recommended to quantify progress and support justifications for continued treatment. The tools are not required, but their use will enhance the justification for continued treatment.
(f) To the extent that the application of this section for autism spectrum disorder causes an increase of at least one percent of actual total costs of coverage for the plan year the agency may apply additional cost containment measures.
(g) To the extent that the provisions of this section require benefits that exceed the essential health benefits specified under section 1302(b) of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, Pub. L. No. 111-148, as amended, the specific benefits that exceed the specified essential health benefits shall not be required of the West Virginia Children's Health Insurance Program.
