3.__Minimum benefits.__The contracts must provide benefits for the treatment and diagnosis of pervasive developmental disorder, or autism, under terms and conditions that are no less extensive than the benefits provided for medical treatment for physical illnesses.__At the request of a health maintenance organization, a provider of medical treatment for pervasive developmental disorder, or autism, shall furnish data substantiating that initial or continued treatment is medically necessary and appropriate.__When making the determination of whether treatment is medically necessary and appropriate, the provider shall use the same criteria for medical treatment for pervasive developmental disorder, or autism, as for medical treatment for physical illness under the contract.

SUMMARY

This bill categorizes pervasive developmental disorder, or autism, as a neurological condition rather than a mental illness. Under current law, pervasive developmental disorder, or autism, is categorized as one of seven biologically based mental illnesses. The bill retains the requirement that pervasive developmental disorder, or autism, be covered by health insurance under the same terms and conditions as other physical illnesses and conditions.