SJ330: Autism and autism spectrum disorders; Joint Commission on Health Care to study service needs.


SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 330
Directing the Joint Commission on Health Care to study service needs of individuals with autism and autism spectrum disorders transitioning from secondary schools. Report.
 
Agreed to by the Senate, February 5, 2013
Agreed to by the House of Delegates, February 15, 2013
 

WHEREAS, autism and autism spectrum disorders are a group of developmental disabilities, characterized by atypical development in socialization and behavior, with associated impairments affecting multiple areas of an individual's life; and

WHEREAS, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated 1 in 88 children have an autism spectrum disorder; and

WHEREAS, according to the Virginia Department of Education, in 2011, approximately 11,700 Virginia students were identified with an autism spectrum disorder; and

WHEREAS, the prevalence rate of autism has increased significantly in Virginia and across the country in recent years; and

WHEREAS, individuals with an autism spectrum disorder may require or may benefit from special educational, housing, employment, and other supports and services; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the Joint Commission on Health Care be directed to study service needs for individuals with autism and autism spectrum disorders transitioning from secondary schools.

In conducting its study, the Joint Commission on Health Care shall determine the number of individuals with autism graduating from or aging out of public and private secondary schools; identify the specific service needs of such individuals, including needs related to housing, employment support, and day support services; identify current sources of services and assistance for such individuals; and identify gaps in the service system or service needs.

All agencies of the Commonwealth shall provide assistance to the Joint Commission on Health Care for this study, upon request.

The Joint Commission on Health Care shall complete its meetings by November 30, 2013, and the Chairman shall submit to the Division of Legislative Automated Systems an executive summary of its findings and recommendations no later than the first day of the 2014 Regular Session of the General Assembly. The executive summary shall state whether the Joint Commission on Health Care intends to submit to the General Assembly and the Governor a report of its findings and recommendations for publication as a House or Senate document. The executive summary and report shall be submitted as provided in the procedures of the Division of Legislative Automated Systems for the processing of legislative documents and reports and shall be posted on the General Assembly's website.

SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 330

Offered January 9, 2013
Directing the Joint Commission on Health Care to study service needs of individuals with autism and autism spectrum disorders transitioning from secondary schools. Report.
Patron-- Northam

Referred to Committee on Rules

WHEREAS, autism and autism spectrum disorders are a group of developmental disabilities, characterized by atypical development in socialization and behavior, with associated impairments affecting multiple areas of an individual's life; and

WHEREAS, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated 1 in 88 children have an autism spectrum disorder; and

WHEREAS, according to the Virginia Department of Education, in 2011, approximately 11,700 Virginia students were identified with an autism spectrum disorder; and

WHEREAS, the prevalence rate of autism has increased significantly in Virginia and across the country in recent years; and

WHEREAS, individuals with an autism spectrum disorder may require or may benefit from special educational, housing, employment, and other supports and services; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the Joint Commission on Health Care be directed to study service needs for individuals with autism and autism spectrum disorders transitioning from secondary schools.

In conducting its study, the Joint Commission on Health Care shall determine the number of individuals with autism graduating from or aging out of public and private secondary schools; identify the specific service needs of such individuals, including needs related to housing, employment support, and day support services; identify current sources of services and assistance for such individuals; and identify gaps in the service system or service needs.

All agencies of the Commonwealth shall provide assistance to the Joint Commission on Health Care for this study, upon request.

The Joint Commission on Health Care shall complete its meetings by November 30, 2013, and the Chairman shall submit to the Division of Legislative Automated Systems an executive summary of its findings and recommendations no later than the first day of the 2014 Regular Session of the General Assembly. The executive summary shall state whether the Joint Commission on Health Care intends to submit to the General Assembly and the Governor a report of its findings and recommendations for publication as a House or Senate document. The executive summary and report shall be submitted as provided in the procedures of the Division of Legislative Automated Systems for the processing of legislative documents and reports and shall be posted on the General Assembly's website.