Wirch Bill to Ensure Provider Coverage of
Autism Passes Senate and Assembly

Senator Bob Wirch (D-Pleasant Prairie) announced that Senate Bill 667 that would license and regulate Board Certified Behavior Analysts to allow them to provide services to children with autism passed the Senate and the Assembly today, April 20, 2010.

The 2009-2011 biennium budget that was signed in to law last June included a provision that requires health insurance coverage for autism spectrum disorders. Under this requirement, insurers must pay for services related to autism treatment if those services are provided by certain providers listed, Board Certified Behavioral Analysts were not included in that list of providers.

“The Office of the Commissioner of Insurance convened a working group comprised of parents, DHS staff, insurers, providers and OCI staff to recommend a rule and it was noted early on in that process that Board Certified Behavioral Analysts play a key role in providing intensive treatment services to many families and children with autism. BCBA’s are professionals that are certified by the National Behavior Analyst Certification Board. And, although BCBA’s provide a great service to children with autism, the Insurance Commissioner was limited to the list of providers laid out in the 2009-2011 biennium budget when defining who is a “qualified” provider,” said Wirch.

Senate Bill 667 requires state certification of a Board Certified Behavioral Analyst before he or she can practice in Wisconsin. By creating a state certification, a level of protection is added to consumers. BCBA’s will be held accountable and will be subject to state penalties and sanctions. Requiring certification will also ensure that consumer complaints will be addressed at a state level, not just through a national board.

“Senate Bill 667 requires state certification of a Board Certified Behavioral Analyst before he or she can practice in Wisconsin. As the Chair of the Consumer Protection Committee it is important that there is a level of protection to consumers. BCBA’s will be held accountable and will be subject to state penalties and sanctions. Requiring certification will also ensure that consumer complaints will be addressed at a state level, not just through a national board,” said Wirch.

“This is an important piece of legislation that will help families with children who have autism and ensure the services originally intended as a part of the budget are provided. Adding BCBA’s as qualified providers will expand the pool of professionals able to serve these families,” said Wirch.