The bill amends sections 627.6686 and 641.31098 of the Florida Statutes to revise the definitions of "autism spectrum disorder" and "eligible individual." The term "autism spectrum disorder" is now defined as having the same meaning as in the most recent edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, removing specific references to disorders such as autistic disorder, Asperger's syndrome, and pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified. Additionally, the definition of "eligible individual" has been updated to remove age restrictions, allowing for a broader interpretation of individuals diagnosed with developmental disabilities.
Furthermore, the bill reenacts sections 409.906 and 943.1727 to incorporate the amendments made to section 627.6686. It authorizes the agency to seek federal approval for home and community-based services for individuals with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities, with specified annual and lifetime coverage limits. The bill also establishes a continued employment training component for law enforcement related to autism spectrum disorder, ensuring that training on recognizing symptoms and appropriate responses is included. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.