This bill amends various sections of the General Laws to expand the definitions related to the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorder. Specifically, it adds licensed nurse practitioners and licensed psychiatric nurse mental health clinical specialists to the definitions of "Disability verification," "Pharmacy care," and "Treatment of autism spectrum disorders" across multiple chapters, including chapters 15C, 32A, 118E, 175, 176A, and 176B. These amendments aim to enhance the accessibility of autism-related services by allowing a broader range of qualified healthcare professionals to provide necessary care and verification.

Additionally, the bill stipulates that all health insurance policies, contracts, and certificates subject to the specified sections must comply with these new provisions starting January 1, 2027. This ensures that the expanded definitions are integrated into health insurance practices, thereby promoting better support for individuals with autism spectrum disorder. The implementation of these changes will require approval from the commissioner of insurance, ensuring regulatory oversight in the transition to the updated legal framework.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 15C-29, 32A-25, 118E-10H, 175-47AA, 176A-8DD, 176B-4DD, 176G-4V