HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO.72
(By Delegates White, Boggs, Campbell, Barker, Craig, Doyle,
Iaquinta, Klempa, Kominar, Manchin, Marshall, Perdue, M. Poling,
Reynolds, Spencer, Stalnaker, Tucker, Yost, Anderson, Ashley,
Blair, Border, Carmichael, Evans and Walters)
Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance study
existing autism services in this state and what need, if any,
exists for additional or enhanced services; to study the
appropriate approach of the state in the provision of these
services when considering the funding or not funding on the
persons affected, the state fisc, and any affected industries.
Whereas, According to the Center for Disease Control and
Prevention, autism occurs in one in every one hundred fifty births
nationally. Moreover, one to one and one-half million Americans
are currently afflicted with autism; and
Whereas, Autism is the fastest growing developmental disability
in the United States; and
Whereas, The national cost for diagnosis, treatment and
intervention services related to autism annually reaches ninety
billion dollars; and
Whereas, Ninety percent of the costs associated with the
diagnosis and treatment of autism are for adult services; and
Whereas, The cost of lifelong care for individuals afflicted
with autism can be reduced by two-thirds with early diagnosis and
intervention;
Whereas, Some services are offered in West Virginia by various state and federal agencies for the diagnosis and treatment of
autism;
therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby
requested to study existing autism services in this state and what
need, if any, exists for additional or enhanced services; to study
the appropriate approach of the state in the provision of these
services when considering the funding or not funding on the persons
affected, the state fisc, and any affected industries; and to study
the extent to which insurance coverage is available for these
services; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and
Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2009, on
its findings, conclusions and recommendations, together with drafts
of any legislation necessary to effectuate its recommendations;
and, be it
Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct this
study, to prepare a report and to draft necessary legislation be
paid from legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on
Government and Finance.