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Bill

A 7204

Requires pediatric care providers to screen every child beginning at the age of twelve months for autism spectrum disorders

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn and 5 co-sponsors

Requires pediatric care providers to screen every child starting at 12 months for autism, enabling earlier detection and quicker access to intervention for families.

REFERRED TO HEALTH
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Bill Summary · A 7204

Summary of Assembly Bill A 7204

Overview

Bill A 7204 would require pediatric care providers to screen every child beginning at age 12 months for autism spectrum disorders. The bill is introduced on March 21, 2025 and is currently REFERRED TO HEALTH. The primary sponsor is Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn, with multiple cosponsors including Andrew Hevesi, William Colton, William Conrad, Karines Reyes, Philip Ramos, and others. A Senate companion exists (S 3898), and there are several related bills from prior sessions.

Purpose and Scope

  • Objective: Establish a statewide requirement for early autism screening to promote early identification and intervention for children.
  • Starting point: Mandatory screening for all children starting at 12 months of age.
  • Target audience: Pediatric care providers who deliver routine pediatric care to children (as defined by the bill).

Note: The information provided does not include the bill’s exact statutory definitions, screening tools or instruments (e.g., which validated tools must be used), frequency beyond the initial starting point, referral pathways, documentation requirements, exemptions, enforcement mechanisms, or funding provisions. The summary accordingly focuses on the stated core requirement and general implications.

Key Provisions (as currently described)

  • Mandate: Pediatric care providers must screen every child beginning at 12 months for autism spectrum disorders.
  • Applicability: Applies to pediatric care providers within the scope of the bill (specific definitions not provided in the available information).
  • Implementation details: Not specified in the information provided. No details on tools to be used, workflow changes, reporting, reimbursement, or follow-up procedures are included here.
  • Relationship to other measures: Senate companion S 3898 exists, indicating cross-chamber consideration and potential alignment with similar language.

Affected Parties

  • Children: All patients beginning at 12 months of age who receive pediatric care.
  • Pediatric care providers: Physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and other clinicians delivering pediatric services who would implement routine autism screening.
  • Families and caregivers: Beneficiaries of earlier autism detection and access to early intervention services.

Legislative Status and Process

  • Introduced: March 21, 2025.
  • Current status: Referred to the Health Committee (listed twice in the actions; both reflect referral to HEALTH).
  • Related and companion legislation:
    • Senate companion: S 3898 (listed as companion).
    • Prior-session related bills: S 2875, S 3404, S 2832, S 6201, S 3741, S 2432, S 3304, A 9465.
    • Related to prior sessions: indicates ongoing interest in autism screening measures.

Potential Impacts and Implementation Considerations

  • Public health impact: Potential for earlier detection of autism, enabling timely access to intervention services and support for developmental outcomes.
  • Administrative and operational impact: May require training, workflow adjustments, documentation changes, and potential coordination with early intervention programs.
  • Fiscal considerations: Not specified; potential costs for providers (time, training, tools) and potential funding needs or reimbursement structures are not described.
  • Equity and access: If implemented with appropriate supports, could reduce disparities in identification; details on accessibility for diverse populations are not provided.

Next Steps for Stakeholders

  • Monitor Health Committee proceedings for amendments, tool specifications, funding, enforcement, and implementation timelines.
  • Review the Senate companion (S 3898) for parallel provisions and potential differences.
  • Consider public comment or stakeholder input on screening tools, referral pathways, and integration with existing well-child visit schedules.

This summary conveys the essential information available from the bill’s current docket and related references, focusing on the core mandate to screen starting at 12 months and the surrounding legislative context.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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