Autism Omnibus Bill

Date

The Autism Omnibus Bill, signed by the governor on August 6, 2014, resulted from the work of the Autism Commission. The bill includes six pieces of legislation: Masshealth to cover medically necessary treatment for children with autism, including ABA Therapy and devices for communication; the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) to expand adult eligibility to include people with autism; tax-free accounts (ABLE accounts); an autism endorsement for teachers; Department of Mental Health (DMH) and DDS to develop a plan for adults who have a mental illness and developmental disability; the Autism Commission to become a permanent entity. 

Massachusetts Advocates for Children offers a training on the bill.