N.Y. Public Health Law § 2500-j: Autism spectrum disorders; screening of children

§ 2500-j. Autism spectrum disorders; screening of children. 1. The

commissioner shall establish, for use by pediatric primary care

providers, best practice protocols for early screening of children for

autism spectrum disorders, including but not limited to developmental

screening for children three years of age and under. Such protocols

shall incorporate standards and guidelines established by the American

Academy of Pediatrics, shall be updated at least biennially, and shall

include, but not be limited to:

(a) the routine employment of objective autism spectrum disorder

screening tools at regular intervals during critical childhood

developmental stages;

(b) a provider/parental dialogue, utilizing the modified checklist for

autism in toddlers as a reference, intended to educate parents in regard

to autism spectrum disorders; and

(c) an appropriate referral mechanism for children who, based upon

results of the aforementioned screening process, require further

evaluation.

2. The modified checklist for autism in toddlers referred to in

subdivision one of this section shall be accessible by the public on the

department's internet website.

3. The commissioner shall promulgate any rules and regulations

necessary to implement the provisions of this section.