The bill titled "An Act increasing access to ABA services by recognizing assistant level providers" aims to enhance the availability of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services for individuals under 21 diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder in Massachusetts. It proposes an amendment to Section 10H of Chapter 118E of the General Laws, which currently outlines the coverage for medically necessary treatments. The amendment involves deleting the first paragraph and replacing it with new language that specifies the inclusion of services rendered by Behavior Technicians, Licensed Assistant Applied Behavior Analysts, and Licensed Applied Behavior Analysts, all of whom must be supervised by a licensed applied behavior analyst.

Additionally, the bill ensures that coverage extends to augmentative and alternative communication devices, including medically necessary tablets, and allows for the provision of devices not eligible for federal funds, provided that the cost does not exceed the commonwealth's share of a comparable federally eligible device. This legislative change is intended to improve access to essential services for children with autism, thereby supporting their development and communication needs.

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