This bill amends Section 1011.12 of the Oklahoma Medicaid program to enhance the provision of applied behavior analysis (ABA) treatment for autism spectrum disorder. It updates the statutory language to clarify that the state Medicaid program will include specific medical necessity criteria for ABA services, which must include a definitive diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder by qualified healthcare providers such as pediatric neurologists, developmental pediatricians, and licensed psychologists. Additionally, the bill prohibits the imposition of a general policy requiring re-diagnosis or subsequent clinical assessments for Medicaid members already diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, ensuring that initial diagnoses remain valid unless clinically indicated otherwise.
Furthermore, the bill mandates that all ABA services be delivered in person by qualified professionals, while allowing for remote supervision under certain conditions by licensed behavior analysts. The effective date for this legislation is set for November 1, 2026. Overall, the bill aims to improve access to necessary treatments for individuals with autism spectrum disorder while ensuring that the standards for diagnosis and service delivery are clearly defined and upheld.