MCKEON BILL TO CREATE AUTISM REGISTRY BILL HEADS TO GOVERNOR'S DESK

Measure Would Create Centralized System to Assist State in Helping Children & Adults with Autism
 
(TRENTON) -   The Senate and Assembly today passed legislation sponsored by Assemblyman John F. McKeon that would create a statewide centralized autism registry to identify the scope of autism in New Jersey so the state can provide better services and care for children and adults with autism and their families.

"New Jersey has the nation's highest reported rates of autism and this presents new challenges for families, schools and our state's health-care network," said Assemblyman McKeon (D-West Orange).  "This registry would create an invaluable tool for the state to monitor autism cases while ensuring that New Jersey continues to provide services to meet the needs of the state's growing autism community."

McKeon's legislation (A-2306) was included as part of an Assembly package passed in March that was constructed to improve New Jersey's response to autism in the areas of detection, treatment, public awareness, care and assistance.  The bill would appropriate $500,000 to support a registry that would enable the state to better analyze autism and assist in the proactive and long-term planning of programs and services for autistic residents and their families.

The measure would require physicians, psychologists and all licensed health care professionals who are qualified to diagnose autism to report every case of autism they diagnose to the state Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS), including a listing of the individuals place of birth. 

The bill would require a written report including all vital information for the health care professional who diagnosed a resident with autism, as well as the name, age and address of the child diagnosed and any additional information required by the commissioner of the DHSS.

The parent or guardian of a child with autism may request that any identifying information not be reported to DHSS.  Officials also would be required to keep a record of each reported case of autism in which an original diagnosis is lost, changed, or considered misdiagnosed.

Health care professionals who provide information for the registry would not be held liable for divulging any confidential information.   
McKeon said the need for a significant increase in autism services was underscored by a February federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's study that found New Jersey to have the nation's highest reported rate of autism - one of out of every 94 children.  The national rate is one out of 150 children.

"These statistics show that New Jersey is facing a growing challenge," said McKeon.  "New Jersey must remain steadfast as a national leader in taking decisive action to provide autistic residents and their families the vital services that they need."

The cause of autism remains unknown.  It is a disorder that impairs the central nervous system, compromising an individual's ability to listen, speak, and form social relationships.  The condition often is marked with highly focused, repetitive behavior.

McKeon said the measures would help individuals with autism from childhood through adulthood.

The Senate approved the bill 37 to 0.  The Assembly voted 80 to 0 to concur with changes made in the Senate.  It now heads to the Governor, who may decide to sign it, veto it, or modify it in the form of a conditional veto.
--30--