NevadaSB25783rd Regular Session (2025)SenateWALLET

AN ACT relating to autism; revising requirements governing the statewide standard for measuring outcomes and assessing and evaluating certain persons with autism spectrum disorders; revising requirements governing early intervention services for persons with autism spectrum disorders; requiring an insurer to accept as dispositive certain diagnoses of persons with autism spectrum disorders for purposes related to required coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of such disorders; requiring insurers to cover such diagnosis and treatment provided by any provider of health care acting within his or her scope of practice; and providing other matters properly relating thereto.

Sponsored By: Selena Torres-Fossett (Democratic), James Ohrenschall (Democratic), Lisa Krasner (Republican), Marilyn Dondero Loop (Democratic), Michelee "Shelly" Cruz-Crawford (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

BDR 38-106

Personalized for You

How does this bill affect your finances?

Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this bill means for your household, plus every other piece of legislation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.

Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 3 mixed.

Optional autism coverage add-on for families

Health plans must offer an option that covers autism screening, diagnosis, and treatment for people under 18, or up to age 22 if in high school. A diagnosis using the statewide standard is final for eligibility. The option must include at least the actuarial equivalent of $72,000 per year for applied behavior analysis and must apply the same copays, deductibles, and coinsurance as other care. Plans cannot deny or cancel coverage only because a person uses autism services. A licensed health care provider acting within scope must assess and create the treatment plan, and the insurer may review it.

Required autism coverage for kids with parity

Beginning January 1, 2026, group health plans and self-insured local government plans must cover autism screening, diagnosis, and treatment for people under 18, or up to age 22 if still in high school. Plans must accept a diagnosis made using the statewide standard. Plans must apply the same copays, deductibles, and coinsurance as for other care, may not impose longer waiting periods for outpatient autism care, and may not limit the number of autism treatment visits. Coverage includes applied behavior analysis with a maximum benefit equal to the actuarial equivalent of $72,000 per year. Any policy terms that conflict on or after January 1, 2026 are void.

One statewide autism assessment and early screening

The state sets one standard to assess autism through age 21, following best practices. Providers must directly observe the person and act only within their license. State and local staff and contractors use this standard at intake or when autism is suspected, and give results to parents. Children get autism screenings at the ages and times the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends. Providers assess thinking, language, social, emotional, behavior, and daily living skills to set a baseline and track progress, and “provider of health care” follows the state definition.

Provider treatment plans; insurers can review

A licensed health care provider acting within their scope must assess the person and create the autism treatment plan. The same types of providers can prescribe and provide the care within their license. Insurers can ask for and review the treatment plan. This supports coverage decisions and may affect how care is approved.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsors

  • Selena Torres-Fossett

    Democratic • House

  • James Ohrenschall

    Democratic • Senate

  • Lisa Krasner

    Republican • Senate

  • Marilyn Dondero Loop

    Democratic • Senate

  • Michelee "Shelly" Cruz-Crawford

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Edgar Flores

    Democratic • Senate

  • Julie Pazina

    Democratic • Senate

  • Lori Rogich

    Republican • Senate

  • Nicole J. Cannizzaro

    Democratic • Senate

  • Rochelle T. Nguyen

    Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 60 • No: 0

House vote • 5/31/2025

Final Passage - Assembly (As Introduced)

Yes: 39 • No: 0

Senate vote • 5/22/2025

Final Passage - Senate (As Introduced)

Yes: 21 • No: 0

Bill Text

  • As Enrolled

  • As Introduced

Related Bills

Back to State Legislation