The bill amends Title 67 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes by adding a new chapter, Chapter 41, which focuses on autism screening. It establishes definitions relevant to the chapter, including the term "Licensed child care provider," which refers to facilities licensed to care for seven or more minors. The bill mandates the development of an autism screening tool that licensed child care providers can use to screen children at 18, 24, and 36 months of age for autism.

Additionally, the bill requires the Department to create and distribute instructions for using the autism screening tool, emphasizing that it should not be considered a medical diagnosis. The instructions will also include resources for autism diagnosis and services available in Pennsylvania. Licensed child care providers will receive this information annually and will have the option to assist individuals with the screening tool upon request, although they are not obligated to do so. The act is set to take effect 60 days after its passage.

Statutes/Laws affected:
Printer's No. 62 (Jan 14, 2025):
Printer's No. 0062: