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Arkansas Task Force on Autism elects cochairs, adopts rules and sets priorities for next session
Summary
The Arkansas Legislative Task Force on Autism on June 17 elected Representative Denise Jones Ennett and Senator Justin Boyd as cochairs, adopted operating rules, deputized cochairs to approve limited special expenses, and set an Aug. 31 reporting deadline while identifying Medicaid waivers, Applied Behavior Analysis in schools, workforce gaps and transition-to-adult services as priorities.
Representative Denise Jones Ennett called the Arkansas Legislative Task Force on Autism to order on June 17 in Little Rock and, together with members, elected Ennett and Senator Justin Boyd as cochairs.
The Task Force moved quickly through organizational business. Representative Justin Boyd made the motion to adopt the Task Force Rules and Procedures; Thomas Smith seconded and the motion carried, formalizing the committee’s procedures. The Task Force also authorized the cochairs to approve special expenses incurred by the group after Boyd moved the measure and Dr. Angela Scott seconded; that motion likewise carried. Members approved minutes from the Dec. 15, 2022 meeting on a motion by Boyd, seconded by J.D. Schupp.
Members discussed the Task Force’s annual reporting requirement and legislative priorities for the coming session. Senator Justin Boyd moved, and Dr. Patty Gibson seconded, a motion allowing the cochairs to submit reports to the legislature by the Aug. 31 deadline; the motion carried. The move establishes an internal timeline and assigns responsibility for meeting the statutory reporting window.
During a planning discussion, members suggested several priority topics for future meetings and possible study. Suggestions included improving access to alternative treatment options (noting health and nutrition as potential areas), examining how Applied Behavior Analysis is used in school settings, increasing education and outreach about Medicaid programs including the Autism Waiver, the Community and Employment Support (CES) waiver and the Provider-Led Arkansas Shared Savings Entity (PASSE) program, addressing workforce shortages in autism-related services, and strengthening supports for the transition to adult services.
The Task Force identified potential presenters for future sessions who could provide program and clinical perspectives. The minutes note Karan Burnette, executive director of University of Arkansas-Partners, may present outcomes from the Autism Waiver program; Jennifer Brezee, director of the Division of Developmental Disability Services at the Arkansas Department of Human Services, may provide an overview of waiver and PASSE programs; and Dr. Trenesha Hill, a psychologist affiliated with Arkansas Children’s Hospital and the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, may discuss mental and behavioral health supports.
With no further business, the Task Force adjourned at 9:55 a.m. The cochairs and staff will carry forward scheduling and invitations for the presenters and follow the Aug. 31 timeline for any required reports.
