Legislation
It's very important to stay up-to-date with pending legislation in Pennsylvania regarding Autism. Many newer families with the diagnosis are unaware that the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare attempted to (a) change the medical necessity criteria to basically exclude individuals with autism from receiving wraparound services, and (b) attempted to implement a $100,000 income cap on receiving wraparound services. (Anyone with an income over $100,000 would no longer be eligible for wraparound.) Luckily, the autism community in Pennsylvania came together to defeat these attempts. We mostly have PACAS (Pennslyvania Action Coalition for Autism Services) to thank for that. PACAS was and still remains the number one force in Harrisburg for autistic children.
PACAS Website -- Pennsylvania Action Coalition for Autism Services */?>PENDING -- House Bill 1530 -- Would alleviate problems in wraparound recruitment by providing loan forgiveness for workers in the mental health field. Workers who work two or more years in the mental health field would be granted up to $20,000 in loan forgiveness from student loans. This bill was unanimously passed by the House of Representatives and will be on the Senate's agenda shortly. CALL YOUR LEGISLATORS IN SUPPORT OF THIS IMPORTANT PIECE OF LEGISLATION!!
UPDATE: 9/27/04 -- HB1530 has moved to the Senate and is on the agenda for 9/29/04
Bill to remove thimerosal/mercury component from vaccinations for pregnant women and children under 3 years of age. Introduced by Rep. Jeff Habay, currently in the process of gathering co-sponsors. Bill has not yet been assigned a number, but will shortly. Here is a copy of the DRAFT OF THE BILL. CALL YOUR LEGISLATORS IN SUPPORT OF THIS IMPORTANT PIECE OF LEGISLATION!!
UPDATE: 9/30/04 -- Bill number assigned -- HB2863 now online!
