1213 Services for children with autism-related disorders meetings

DEPARTMENT OF
PUBLIC WELFARE

Services for Children with Autism-Related Disorders Meetings

[32 Pa.B. 3445]

   The Department of Public Welfare (Department) has identified a need to develop a new Behavioral Health Rehabilitation Service designed to meet the needs of young children with autism-related disorders. The autism intervention literature often refers to these services as Early Intensive Behavioral Interventions (EIBI) and the Department has elected to adopt this term to describe this service.

   To provide interested parties the opportunity to participate in the development of this new service, the Department will hold four public meetings to seek input on the components of EIBI as well as the best way to make EIBI available consistent with sound public policy. The meetings will focus on addressing the needs that exist for young children with autism-related disorders when defining the service, establishing staff qualifications for persons providing EIBI and developing requirements and conditions for coverage and payment. The four meetings will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the following locations:

July 22, 2002	Auditorium State Game Commission 2001 Elmerton Avenue Harrisburg, PA
July 26, 2002	Multi-Purpose Room Building #33 Norristown State Hospital 1001 Sterigere Street Norristown, PA
August 6, 2002	Regional Conference Center Mayview State Hospital 1601 Mayview Road Bridgeville, PA
August 9, 2002	Learning Resource Center Multi-Media Room Marywood University Adams Avenue Scranton, PA

   These are open meetings and everyone is invited to attend. To accommodate all persons wishing to participate in the meetings, individuals who wish to attend one of the meetings should inform the Department by calling [phone]. Persons with a disability may use the AT&T Relay Service by calling [phone] (TDD users) or [phone] (voice users). Based upon the number of persons attending, the Department may have to limit the time allotted for comments. Therefore, when calling to the Department, persons should also indicate whether they intend to provide comments and have a time preference. Persons who intend to comment at the meeting should bring a written copy of formal comments to the meeting.

   Persons who are not able to attend the public meetings may submit their comments in writing to DPW-OMAP, Bureau of Policy Budget and Planning, P. O. Box 8046, Harrisburg, PA 17105. Written comments will be accepted until 4 p.m. on August 9, 2002.

FEATHER O. HOUSTOUN,   
Secretary

[Pa.B. Doc. No. 02-1213. Filed for public inspection July 12, 2002, 9:00 a.m.]