Section 20-77-124 - Medicaid waiver for autism spectrum disorder - Definitions(a) As used in this section: (1) "Autism spectrum disorder" means a condition that is diagnosed by at least two (2) qualified professionals who both conclude that a child fully meets the diagnostic criteria under the most recent edition of the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders;(2) "Evidence-based treatment" means treatment subject to research that applies rigorous, systematic, and objective procedures to obtain valid knowledge of effectiveness relative to autism spectrum disorder as published by the National Standards Report by the National Autism Center;(3) "Intensive early intervention treatment" means individualized treatment utilizing evidence-based treatment determined appropriate following a detailed assessment of the child that occurs:(A) In the home of the child or a natural community setting; and(B) In the presence of the parent or legal guardian of the child; and(4)(A) "Qualified professional" means a professional who is educated and licensed in fields related to physical health, mental health, and child and adolescent physical and psychological development.(B) "Qualified professional" only includes a licensed physician, licensed psychologist, or licensed speech-language pathologist.(b)(1) The Department of Human Services shall maintain a Medicaid waiver from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to provide intensive early intervention treatment to any eligible child who has a primary diagnosis of an autism spectrum disorder.(2) The waiver shall provide services for young children consistent with the terms specified in the waiver application approved by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.(3) The waiver shall seek to develop skills of children in the areas of cognition, behavior, communication, and social interaction.(c) To the extent funding becomes appropriated and available, the department shall apply to add additional eligibility slots to the Medicaid waiver for autism spectrum disorder.Amended by Act 2021, No. 656,§ 1, eff. 7/28/2021.Amended by Act 2015, No. 1008,§ 1, eff. 7/22/2015.Acts 2007, No. 1198, § 1.