256.35A - IOWA AUTISM COUNCIL.
256.35A IOWA AUTISM COUNCIL.
1. An Iowa autism council is created to act in an advisory
capacity to the state in developing and implementing a comprehensive,
coordinated system to provide appropriate diagnostic, intervention,
and support services for children with autism and to meet the unique
needs of adults with autism.
2. a. The council shall consist of thirteen voting members
appointed by the governor and confirmed by the senate. The majority
of the voting members shall be individuals with autism or members of
their families. Additionally, each of the following shall be
represented among the voting members:
(1) Autism diagnostic and research specialists.
(2) Individuals with recognized expertise in utilizing best
practices for diagnosis, intervention, education, and support
services for individuals with autism.
(3) Individuals providing residential services for individuals
with autism.
(4) Mental health professionals with background or expertise in a
pertinent mental health field such as psychiatry, psychology, or
behavioral health.
(5) Private insurers.
(6) Teachers and representatives of area education agencies.
b. In addition, representatives of the department of
education, the division of vocational rehabilitation of the
department of education, the department of public health, the
department of human services, the governor's developmental
disabilities council, the division of insurance of the department of
commerce, and the state board of regents shall serve as ex officio
members of the advisory council. Ex officio members shall work
together in a collaborative manner to serve as a resource to the
advisory council. The council may also form workgroups as necessary
to address specific issues within the technical purview of individual
members.
c. Voting members shall serve three-year terms beginning and
ending as provided in section 69.19, and appointments shall comply
with sections 69.16 and 69.16A. Vacancies on the council shall be
filled in the same manner as the original appointment. A person
appointed to fill a vacancy shall serve only for the unexpired
portion of the term. Public members shall receive reimbursement for
actual expenses incurred while serving in their official capacity and
may also be eligible to receive compensation as provided in section
7E.6.
d. The council shall elect a chairperson from its voting
members annually. A majority of the voting members of the council
shall constitute a quorum.
e. The department shall convene and provide administrative
support to the council.
3. The council shall focus its efforts on addressing the unmet
needs of individuals with autism at various levels of severity and
their families. The council shall address all of the following:
a. Early identification by medical professionals of autism,
including education and training of health care and mental health
care professionals and the use of best practice guidelines.
b. Appropriate early and intensive early intervention
services with access to models of training.
c. Integration and coordination of the medical community,
community educators, childhood educators, health care providers, and
community-based services into a seamless support system for
individuals and their families.
d. General and special education support services.
e. In-home support services for families requiring behavioral
and other supports.
f. Training for educators, parents, siblings, and other
family members.
g. Enhancing of community agency responsiveness to the
living, learning, and employment needs of adults with autism and
provision of services including but not limited to respite services,
crisis intervention, employment assistance, case management, and
long-term care options.
h. Financing options including but not limited to medical
assistance waivers and private health insurance coverage.
i. Data collection.
4. The council shall meet quarterly. The council shall submit a
report to the governor and the general assembly, annually by December
15, identifying the needs and making recommendations for improving
and enhancing the lives of individuals with autism and their
families.
5. For the purposes of this section, "autism" means a
spectrum disorder that includes at various levels of severity,
autism, Asperger's disorder, pervasive developmental disorder not
otherwise specified, Rett's syndrome, and childhood disintegrative
disorder. Section History: Recent Form
2008 Acts, ch 1187, §126
Confirmation, see § 2.32