New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A07204

Introduced
3/21/25  
Refer
3/21/25  

Caption

Directs the commissioner of health and commissioner of the office for people with developmental disabilities to jointly promulgate rules and regulations requiring pediatric health care providers to screen children beginning at the age of 12 months for autism spectrum disorders during each wellness and preventative care examination and to conduct such screening annually until such child reaches age six, and thereafter at eleven and fourteen years of age.

Summary

Bill A07204 mandates that the New York State Commissioner of Health and the Commissioner of the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities develop regulations requiring pediatric health care providers to screen children for autism spectrum disorders starting at 12 months of age. The screenings are to be conducted annually until the child reaches six years old, and then again at ages eleven and fourteen. The bill aims to ensure early detection and intervention for autism, aligning with best practices established by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Impact

This legislation will amend the public health law and the mental hygiene law in New York State, creating a standardized protocol for autism screening in pediatric care. It will affect pediatric health care providers by requiring them to implement these screenings as part of routine wellness visits, potentially increasing early diagnosis rates and access to necessary services for children with autism spectrum disorders.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding Bill A07204 appears to be supportive, as it aims to enhance early detection of autism, which many stakeholders view as crucial for effective intervention. However, there may be concerns regarding the implementation logistics and the capacity of health care providers to meet the new requirements.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise from health care providers regarding the feasibility of conducting annual screenings and the potential for increased administrative burdens. Some may argue about the adequacy of resources and training needed to effectively implement the mandated screenings. Additionally, there may be differing opinions on the necessity of screening at the specified ages.

Companion Bills

NY S03898

Same As Directs the commissioner of health and commissioner of the office for people with developmental disabilities to jointly promulgate rules and regulations requiring pediatric health care providers to screen children beginning at the age of 12 months for autism spectrum disorders during each wellness and preventative care examination and to conduct such screening annually until such child reaches age six, and thereafter at eleven and fourteen years of age.

Similar Bills

HI SR69

Urging The Department Of Health To Lead A Coordinated Interdepartmental Effort To Reduce The Impact Of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders In The State, Including Development Of A Plan For Interagency Collaboration To Ensure The Coordination Of Support Services.

HI SCR75

Urging The Department Of Health To Lead A Coordinated Interdepartmental Effort To Reduce The Impact Of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders In The State, Including Development Of A Plan For Interagency Collaboration To Ensure The Coordination Of Support Services.

TX HB2929

Relating to training for peace officers on interacting with persons with autism spectrum disorder.

FL S0418

Law Enforcement Officer Interactions with Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder

HI SR60

Requesting The Department Of Health To Lead The Statewide Coordination Of Services And Support For Individuals With Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders.

NV SB257

Revises provisions relating to autism. (BDR 38-106)

NV AB6

AN ACT relating to public safety; revising provisions governing regulation and designation of school zones and school crossing zones; revising provisions relating to signs in school zones and school crossing zones; providing for enhanced penalties for certain traffic violations in active school zones and school crossing zones; prohibiting the inclusion of certain information concerning pupils within a directory of pupils; prohibiting the provision of certain information concerning pupils to third parties; providing penalties; and providing other matters properly relating thereto.

US HB2171

Spectrum Coordination Act