I 
111TH CONGRESS 
1ST SESSION H. R. 2413 
To provide for enhanced treatment, support, services, and research for 
individuals with autism spectrum disorders and their families. 
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
MAY 14, 2009 
Mr. DOYLE (for himself, Mr. SMITH of New Jersey, Mr. ENGEL, and Mr. 
JOHNSON of Georgia) introduced the following bill; which was referred to 
the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Commit-
tees on Education and Labor, Oversight and Government Reform, and 
Armed Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speak-
er, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the ju-
risdiction of the committee concerned 
A BILL 
To provide for enhanced treatment, support, services, and 
research for individuals with autism spectrum disorders 
and their families. 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representa-
tives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, 
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS. 
(a) SHORT TITLE.—This Act may be cited as the 
‘‘Autism Treatment Acceleration Act of 2009’’. 
(b) TABLE OF CONTENTS.—The table of contents for 
this Act is as follows: 
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Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents. 
Sec. 2. Findings. 
Sec. 3. Parental rights rule of construction. 
Sec. 4. Definitions; technical amendment to the Public Health Service Act. 
Sec. 5. Autism Care Centers Demonstration Project. 
Sec. 6. Planning and demonstration grants for services for adults. 
Sec. 7. Multimedia campaign. 
Sec. 8. Interdepartmental Autism Coordinating Committee. 
Sec. 9. National Network for Autism Spectrum Disorders Research and Serv-
ices. 
Sec. 10. National training initiatives on autism spectrum disorders. 
Sec. 11. Amendments relating to health insurance. 
Sec. 12. Authorization of appropriations. 
SEC. 2. FINDINGS. 
Congress makes the following findings: 
(1) Autism (sometimes called ‘‘classical au-
tism’’) is the most common condition in a group of 
developmental disorders known as autism spectrum 
disorders. 
(2) Autism spectrum disorders include autism 
as well as Asperger syndrome, Retts syndrome, 
childhood disintegrative disorder, and pervasive de-
velopmental disorder not otherwise specified (usually 
referred to as PDD–NOS), as well as other related 
developmental disorders. 
(3) Individuals with autism spectrum disorders 
have the same rights as other individuals to exert 
control and choice over their own lives, to live inde-
pendently, and to participate fully in, and contribute 
to, their communities and society through full inte-
gration and inclusion in the economic, political, so-
cial, cultural, and educational mainstream of society. 
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Individuals with autism spectrum disorders have the 
right to a life with dignity and purpose. 
(4) While there is no uniform prevalence or se-
verity of symptoms associated with autism spectrum 
disorders, the National Institutes of Health has de-
termined that autism spectrum disorders are charac-
terized by 3 distinctive behaviors: impaired social 
interaction, problems with verbal and nonverbal 
communication, and unusual, repetitive, or severely 
limited activities and interests. 
(5) Both children and adults with autism spec-
trum disorders can show difficulties in verbal and 
nonverbal communication, social interactions, and 
sensory processing. Individuals with autism spec-
trum disorders exhibit different symptoms or behav-
iors, which may range from mild to significant, and 
require varying degrees of support from friends, 
families, service providers, and communities. 
(6) Individuals with autism spectrum disorders 
often need assistance in the areas of comprehensive 
early intervention, communication, health, recre-
ation, job training, employment, housing, transpor-
tation, and early, primary, and secondary education. 
With access to, and assistance with, these types of 
services and supports, individuals with autism spec-
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trum disorders can live rich, full, and productive 
lives. Greater coordination and streamlining within 
the service delivery system will enable individuals 
with autism spectrum disorders and their families to 
access assistance from all sectors throughout an in-
dividual’s lifespan. 
(7) A 2007 report from the Centers for Disease 
Control and Prevention found that the prevalence of 
autism spectrum disorders is estimated to be 1 in 
150 people in the United States. 
(8) The Harvard School of Public Health re-
ported that the cost of caring for and treating indi-
viduals with autism spectrum disorders in the 
United States is more than $35,000,000,000 annu-
ally (an estimated $3,200,000 over an individual’s 
lifetime). 
(9) Although the overall incidence of autism is 
consistent around the globe, researchers with the 
Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health have found 
that males are 4 times more likely to develop an au-
tism spectrum disorder than females. Autism spec-
trum disorders know no racial, ethnic, or social 
boundaries, nor differences in family income, life-
style, or educational levels, and can affect any child. 
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(10) Individuals with autism spectrum disorders 
from low-income, rural, and minority communities 
often face significant obstacles to accurate diagnosis 
and necessary specialized services, supports, and 
education. 
(11) There is strong consensus within the re-
search community that intensive treatment as soon 
as possible following diagnosis not only can reduce 
the cost of lifelong care by two-thirds, but also yields 
the most positive life outcomes for children with au-
tism spectrum disorders. 
(12) Individuals with autism spectrum disorders 
and their families experience a wide range of medical 
issues. Few common standards exist for the diag-
nosis and management of many aspects of clinical 
care. Behavioral difficulties may be attributed to the 
overarching disorder rather than to the pain and dis-
comfort of a medical condition, which may go unde-
tected and untreated. The health care and other 
treatments available in different communities can 
vary widely. Many families, lacking access to com-
prehensive and coordinated health care, must fend 
for themselves to find the best health care, treat-
ments, and services in a complex clinical world. 
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(13) Effective health care, treatment, and serv-
ices for individuals with autism spectrum disorders 
depends upon a continuous exchange among re-
searchers and caregivers. Evidence-based and prom-
ising autism practices should move quickly into com-
munities, allowing individuals with autism spectrum 
disorders and their families to benefit from the new-
est research and enabling researchers to learn from 
the life experiences of the people whom their work 
most directly affects. 
(14) There is a critical shortage of appro-
priately trained personnel across numerous impor-
tant disciplines who can assess, diagnose, treat, and 
support children and adults with autism spectrum 
disorders and their families. Practicing professionals, 
as well as those in training to become professionals, 
need the most up-to-date practices informed by the 
most current research findings. 
(15) The appropriate goals of the Nation re-
garding individuals with autism spectrum disorder 
are the same as the appropriate goals of the Nation 
regarding individuals with disabilities in general, as 
established in the Americans with Disabilities Act of 
1990 (42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq.): to assure equality 
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of opportunity, full participation, independent living, 
and economic self-sufficiency for such individuals. 
(16) Finally, individuals with autism spectrum 
disorders are often denied health care benefits solely 
because of their diagnosis, even though proven, ef-
fective treatments for autism spectrum disorders do 
exist. 
SEC. 3. PARENTAL RIGHTS RULE OF CONSTRUCTION. 
Nothing in this Act shall be construed to modify the 
legal rights of parents or legal guardians under Federal, 
State, or local law regarding the care of their children. 
SEC. 4. DEFINITIONS; TECHNICAL AMENDMENT TO THE 
PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE ACT. 
Part R of title III of the Public Health Service Act 
(42 U.S.C. 280i et seq.) is amended— 
(1) by inserting after the header for part R the 
following: 
‘‘Subpart 1—Surveillance and Research Program; 
Education, Early Detection, and Intervention; 
and Reporting’’; 
(2) in section 399AA(d), by striking ‘‘part’’ and 
inserting ‘‘subpart’’; and 
(3) by adding at the end the following: 
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‘‘Subpart 2—Care for People With Autism Spectrum 
Disorders, Registry, and Public Education 
‘‘SEC. 399GG. DEFINITIONS. 
‘‘Except as otherwise provided, in this subpart: 
‘‘(1) AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER.—The term 
‘autism spectrum disorder’ means a developmental 
disability that causes substantial impairments in the 
areas of social interaction, emotional regulation, 
communication, and the integration of higher-order 
cognitive processes and which may be characterized 
by the presence of unusual behaviors and interests. 
Such term includes autistic disorder, pervasive devel-
opmental 
disorder 
(not 
otherwise 
specified), 
Asperger syndrome, Retts disorder, childhood dis-
integrative disorder, and other related developmental 
disorders. 
‘‘(2) ADULT
WITH
AUTISM
SPECTRUM
DIS-
ORDER.—The term ‘adult with autism spectrum dis-
order’ means an individual with an autism spectrum 
disorder who has attained 22 years of age. 
‘‘(3) AFFECTED
INDIVIDUAL.—The term ‘af-
fected individual’ means an individual with an au-
tism spectrum disorder. 
‘‘(4) AUTISM.—The term ‘autism’ means an au-
tism spectrum disorder or a related developmental 
disability. 
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‘‘(5) AUTISM MANAGEMENT TEAM.—The term 
‘autism management team’ means a group of autism 
care providers, including behavioral specialists, phy-
sicians, speech-language pathologists, audiologists, 
psychologists, social workers, family therapists, 
nurse practitioners, nurses, educators, other appro-
priate personnel, and family members who work in 
a coordinated manner to treat individuals with au-
tism spectrum disorders and their families. Such 
team shall determine the specific structure and oper-
ational model of its specific autism care center, tak-
ing into consideration cultural, regional, and geo-
graphical factors. 
‘‘(6) CARE
MANAGEMENT
MODEL.—The term 
‘care management model’ means a model of care 
that with respect to autism— 
‘‘(A) is centered on the relationship be-
tween an individual with an autism spectrum 
disorder and his or her family and their per-
sonal autism care coordinator; 
‘‘(B) provides services to individuals with 
autism spectrum disorders to improve the man-
agement and coordination of care provided to 
patients and their families; and 
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‘‘(C) has established, where practicable, ef-
fective referral relationships between the autism 
care coordinator and the major medical, edu-
cational, and behavioral specialties and ancillary 
services in the region. 
‘‘(7) CHILD
WITH
AUTISM
SPECTRUM
DIS-
ORDER.—The term ‘child with autism spectrum dis-
order’ means an individual with an autism spectrum 
disorder who has not attained 22 years of age. 
‘‘(8) INTERVENTIONS.—The term ‘interven-
tions’ means the educational methods, communica-
tion services and supports, and positive behavioral 
support strategies designed to improve or ameliorate 
symptoms associated with autism spectrum dis-
orders. 
‘‘(9) NETWORK.—The term ‘Network’ means 
the Network for Autism Spectrum Disorders Re-
search and Services described in section 10 of the 
Autism Treatment Acceleration Act of 2009. 
‘‘(10) PERSONAL
PRIMARY
CARE
COORDI-
NATOR.—The term ‘personal primary care coordi-
nator’ means a physician, occupational therapist, 
speech-language 
pathologist, 
audiologist, 
nurse, 
nurse practitioner, psychologist, social worker, fam-
ily therapist, educator, or other appropriate per-
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sonnel (as determined by the Secretary) who has ex-
tensive expertise in treatment and services for indi-
viduals with autism spectrum disorders, who— 
‘‘(A) practices in an autism care center; 
and 
‘‘(B) has been trained to coordinate and 
manage comprehensive autism care for the 
whole person. 
‘‘(11) PROJECT.—The term ‘project’ means the 
autism care center demonstration project established 
under section 399HH. 
‘‘(12) SERVICES.—The term ‘services’ means 
services to assist individuals with autism spectrum 
disorders to live more independently in their commu-
nities and to improve their quality of life. 
‘‘(13) TREATMENTS.—The term ‘treatments’ 
means the health services, including mental health 
and behavioral therapy services, designed to improve 
or ameliorate symptoms associated with autism spec-
trum disorders. 
‘‘(14) AUTISM CARE CENTER.—In this subpart, 
the term ‘autism care center’ means a center that is 
directed by a primary care coordinator who is an ex-
pert in autism spectrum disorder treatment and 
practice and provides an array of medical, psycho-
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logical, behavioral, educational, and family services 
to individuals with autism and their families. Such 
a center shall— 
‘‘(A) incorporate the attributes of the care 
management model; 
‘‘(B) offer, through on-site service provi-
sion or through detailed referral and coordi-
nated care arrangements, an autism manage-
ment team of appropriate providers, including 
behavioral specialists, physicians, psychologists, 
social workers, family therapists, nurse practi-
tioners, nurses, educators, and other appro-
priate personnel; and 
‘‘(C) have the capability to achieve im-
provements in the management and coordina-
tion of care for targeted beneficiaries.’’. 
SEC. 
5. 
AUTISM 
CARE 
CENTERS 
DEMONSTRATION 
PROJECT. 
Part R of title III of the Public Health Service Act 
(42 U.S.C. 280i), as amended by section 4, is further 
amended by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘SEC. 399HH. AUTISM CARE CENTER DEMONSTRATION 
PROJECT. 
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 1 year after the 
date of enactment of the Autism Treatment Acceleration 
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Act of 2009, the Secretary, acting through the Adminis-
trator of the Health Resources and Services Administra-
tion, shall establish a demonstration project for the imple-
mentation of an Autism Care Center Program (referred 
to in this section as the ‘Program’) to provide grants and 
other assistance to improve the effectiveness and efficiency 
in providing comprehensive care to individuals diagnosed 
with autism spectrum disorders and their families. 
‘‘(b) GOALS.—The Program shall be designed— 
‘‘(1) to increase— 
‘‘(A) comprehensive autism spectrum dis-
order care delivery; 
‘‘(B) access to appropriate health care 
services, especially wellness and prevention care, 
at times convenient for patients; 
‘‘(C) patient satisfaction; 
‘‘(D) communication among autism spec-
trum 
disorder 
health 
care 
providers, 
behaviorists, educators, specialists, hospitals, 
and other autism spectrum disorder care pro-
viders; 
‘‘(E) school placement and attendance; 
‘‘(F) successful transition to postsecondary 
education, vocational or job training and place-
ment, and comprehensive adult services for in-
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dividuals with autism spectrum disorders, focus-
ing in particular upon the transitional period 
for individuals between the ages of 18 and 25; 
‘‘(G) the quality of health care services, 
taking into account nationally developed stand-
ards and measures; 
‘‘(H) development, review, and promulga-
tion of common clinical standards and guide-
lines for medical care to individuals with autism 
spectrum disorders; 
‘‘(I) 
development 
of 
clinical 
research 
projects to support clinical findings in a search 
for recommended practices; and 
‘‘(J) the quality of life of individuals with 
autism spectrum disorders, including commu-
nication abilities, social skills, community inte-
gration, and employment and other related 
services; and 
‘‘(2) to decrease— 
‘‘(A) inappropriate emergency room utiliza-
tion, which can be accomplished through initia-
tives such as expanded hours of care; 
‘‘(B) avoidable hospitalizations; 
‘‘(C) the duplication of health care serv-
ices; 
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‘‘(D) the inconvenience of multiple provider 
locations; 
‘‘(E) health disparities and inequalities 
that individuals with autism spectrum disorders 
face; and 
‘‘(F) preventable and inappropriate in-
volvement with the juvenile and criminal justice 
systems. 
‘‘(c) ELIGIBLE ENTITIES.—To be eligible to receive 
assistance under the Program, an entity shall— 
‘‘(1) be a State or a public or private nonprofit 
entity; 
‘‘(2) agree to establish and implement an au-
tism care center that— 
‘‘(A) enables targeted beneficiaries to des-
ignate a personal primary care coordinator in 
such center to be their source of first contact 
and to recommend comprehensive and coordi-
nated care for the whole of the individual; 
‘‘(B) provides for the establishment of a 
coordination of care committee that is com-
posed of clinicians and practitioners trained in 
and working in autism spectrum disorder inter-
vention; 
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‘‘(C) establishes a network of physicians, 
psychologists, family therapists, behavioral spe-
cialists, social workers, educators, and health 
centers that have expressed willingness to par-
ticipate as consultants to patient-centered au-
tism care centers to provide high-quality care, 
focusing on autism spectrum disorder care, at 
the appropriate times and places and in a cost- 
effective manner; 
‘‘(D) works in cooperation with hospitals, 
local public health departments, and the net-
work of patient-centered autism care centers, to 
coordinate and provide health care; 
‘‘(E) utilizes health information technology 
to facilitate the provision and coordination of 
health care by network participants; and 
‘‘(F) collaborates with other entities to fur-
ther the goals of the program, particularly by 
collaborating with entities that provide transi-
tional adult services to individuals between the 
ages of 18 and 25 with autism spectrum dis-
order, to ensure successful transition of such in-
dividuals to adulthood; and 
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‘‘(3) submit to the Secretary an application, at 
such time, in such manner, and containing such in-
formation as the Secretary may require, including— 
‘‘(A) a description of the treatments, inter-
ventions, or services that the eligible entity pro-
poses to provide under the Program; 
‘‘(B) a demonstration of the capacity of 
the eligible entity to provide or establish such 
treatments, interventions, and services within 
such entity; 
‘‘(C) a demonstration of the capacity of 
the eligible entity to monitor and evaluate the 
outcomes of the treatments, interventions, and 
services described in subparagraph (A); 
‘‘(D) estimates of the number of individ-
uals and families who will be served by the eli-
gible entity under the Program, including an es-
timate of the number of such individuals and 
families in medically underserved areas; 
‘‘(E) a description of the ability of the eli-
gible entity to enter into partnerships with com-
munity-based or nonprofit providers of treat-
ments, interventions, and services, which may 
include providers that act as advocates for indi-
viduals with autism spectrum disorders and 
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local governments that provide services for indi-
viduals with autism spectrum disorders at the 
community level; 
‘‘(F) a description of the ways in which ac-
cess to such treatments and services may be 
sustained following the Program period; 
‘‘(G) a description of the ways in which the 
eligible entity plans to collaborate with other 
entities to develop and sustain an effective pro-
tocol for successful transition from children’s 
services to adult services for individuals with 
autism spectrum disorder, particularly for indi-
viduals between the ages of 18 and 25; and 
‘‘(H) a description of the compliance of the 
eligible entity with the integration requirement 
provided under section 302 of the Americans 
with Disabilities Act of 1990. 
‘‘(d) GRANTS.—The Secretary shall award 3-year 
grants to eligible entities whose applications are approved 
under subsection (c). Such grants shall be used to— 
‘‘(1) carry out a program designed to meet the 
goals described in subsection (b) and the require-
ments described in subsection (c); and 
‘‘(2) facilitate coordination with local commu-
nities to be better prepared and positioned to under-
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stand and meet the needs of the communities served 
by autism care centers. 
‘‘(e) ADVISORY COUNCILS.— 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Each recipient of a grant 
under this section shall establish an autism care cen-
ter advisory council, which shall advise the autism 
care center regarding policies, priorities, and serv-
ices. 
‘‘(2) MEMBERSHIP.—Each recipient of a grant 
shall appoint members of the recipient’s advisory 
council, which shall include a variety of autism care 
center service providers, individuals from the public 
who are knowledgeable about autism spectrum dis-
orders, individuals receiving services through the 
Program, and family members of such individuals. 
At least 60 percent of the membership shall be com-
prised of individuals who have received, or are re-
ceiving, services through the Program or who are 
family members of such individuals. 
‘‘(3) CHAIRPERSON.—The recipient of a grant 
shall appoint a chairperson to the advisory council of 
the recipient’s autism care center who shall be— 
‘‘(A) an individual with autism spectrum 
disorder who has received, or is receiving, serv-
ices through the Program; or 
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‘‘(B) a family member of such an indi-
vidual. 
‘‘(f) EVALUATION.—The Secretary shall enter into a 
contract with an independent third-party organization 
with expertise in evaluation activities to conduct an eval-
uation and, not later than 180 days after the conclusion 
of the 3-year grant program under this section, submit 
a report to the Secretary, which may include measures 
such as whether and to what degree the treatments, inter-
ventions, and services provided through the Program have 
resulted in improved health, educational, employment, and 
community integration outcomes for individuals with au-
tism spectrum disorders, or other measures, as the Sec-
retary determines appropriate. 
‘‘(g) ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES.—Of the amounts 
appropriated to carry out this section, the Secretary shall 
allocate not more than 7 percent for administrative ex-
penses, including the expenses related to carrying out the 
evaluation described in subsection (f). 
‘‘(h) SUPPLEMENT NOT SUPPLANT.—Amounts pro-
vided to an entity under this section shall be used to sup-
plement, not supplant, amounts otherwise expended for 
existing treatments, interventions, and services for individ-
uals with autism spectrum disorders.’’. 
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SEC. 6. PLANNING AND DEMONSTRATION GRANTS FOR 
SERVICES FOR ADULTS. 
Part R of title III of the Public Health Service Act 
(42 U.S.C. 280i), as amended by section 5, is further 
amended by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘SEC. 399II. PLANNING AND DEMONSTRATION GRANT FOR 
SERVICES FOR ADULTS. 
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—In order to enable selected eligi-
ble entities to provide appropriate services to adults with 
autism spectrum disorders, to enable such adults to be as 
independent as possible, the Secretary shall establish— 
‘‘(1) a one-time, single-year planning grant pro-
gram for eligible entities; and 
‘‘(2) a multiyear service provision demonstra-
tion grant program for selected eligible entities. 
‘‘(b) PURPOSE OF GRANTS.—Grants shall be award-
ed to eligible entities to provide all or part of the funding 
needed to carry out programs that focus on critical aspects 
of adult life, such as— 
‘‘(1) postsecondary education, vocational train-
ing, self-advocacy skills, and employment; 
‘‘(2) residential services and supports, housing, 
and transportation; 
‘‘(3) nutrition, health and wellness, recreational 
and social activities; and 
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‘‘(4) personal safety and the needs of individ-
uals with autism spectrum disorders who become in-
volved with the criminal justice system. 
‘‘(c) ELIGIBLE ENTITY.—An eligible entity desiring 
to receive a grant under this section shall be a State or 
other public or private nonprofit organization, including 
an autism care center. 
‘‘(d) PLANNING GRANTS.— 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary shall award 
one-time grants to eligible entities to support the 
planning and development of initiatives that will ex-
pand and enhance service delivery systems for adults 
with autism spectrum disorders. 
‘‘(2) APPLICATION.—In order to receive such a 
grant, an eligible entity shall— 
‘‘(A) submit an application at such time 
and containing such information as the Sec-
retary may require; and 
‘‘(B) demonstrate the ability to carry out 
such planning grant in coordination with the 
State Developmental Disabilities Council and 
organizations representing or serving individ-
uals with autism spectrum disorders and their 
families. 
‘‘(e) IMPLEMENTATION GRANTS.— 
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‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary shall award 
grants to eligible entities that have received a plan-
ning grant under subsection (d) to enable such enti-
ties to provide appropriate services to adults with 
autism spectrum disorders. 
‘‘(2) APPLICATION.—In order to receive a grant 
under paragraph (1), the eligible entity shall submit 
an application at such time and containing such in-
formation as the Secretary may require, including— 
‘‘(A) the services that the eligible entity 
proposes to provide and the expected outcomes 
for adults with autism spectrum disorders who 
receive such services; 
‘‘(B) the number of adults and families 
who will be served by such grant, including an 
estimate of the adults and families in under-
served areas who will be served by such grant; 
‘‘(C) the ways in which services will be co-
ordinated among both public and nonprofit pro-
viders of services for adults with disabilities, in-
cluding community-based services; 
‘‘(D) where applicable, the process through 
which the eligible entity will distribute funds to 
a range of community-based or nonprofit pro-
viders of services, including local governments, 
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and such entity’s capacity to provide such serv-
ices; 
‘‘(E) the process through which the eligible 
entity will monitor and evaluate the outcome of 
activities funded through the grant, including 
the effect of the activities upon adults with au-
tism spectrum disorders who receive such serv-
ices; 
‘‘(F) the plans of the eligible entity to co-
ordinate and streamline transitions from youth 
to adult services; 
‘‘(G) the process by which the eligible enti-
ty will ensure compliance with the integration 
requirement provided under section 302 of the 
Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990; and 
‘‘(H) a description of how such services 
may be sustained following the grant period. 
‘‘(f) EVALUATION.—The Secretary shall contract 
with a third-party organization with expertise in evalua-
tion to evaluate such demonstration grant program and, 
not later than 180 days after the conclusion of the grant 
program under subsection (e), submit a report to the Sec-
retary. The evaluation and report may include an analysis 
of whether and to what extent the services provided 
through the grant program described in this section re-
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sulted in improved health, education, employment, and 
community integration outcomes for adults with autism 
spectrum disorders, or other measures, as the Secretary 
determines appropriate. 
‘‘(g) ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES.—Of the amounts 
appropriated to carry out this section, the Secretary shall 
set aside not more than 7 percent for administrative ex-
penses, including the expenses related to carrying out the 
evaluation described in subsection (f). 
‘‘(h) SUPPLEMENT NOT SUPPLANT.—Demonstration 
grant funds provided under this section shall supplement, 
not supplant, existing treatments, interventions, and serv-
ices for individuals with autism spectrum disorders.’’. 
SEC. 7. MULTIMEDIA CAMPAIGN. 
Part R of title III of the Public Health Service Act 
(42 U.S.C. 280i), as amended by section 7, is further 
amended by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘SEC. 399JJ. MULTIMEDIA CAMPAIGN. 
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary, in order to en-
hance existing awareness campaigns and provide for the 
implementation of new campaigns, shall award grants to 
public and nonprofit private entities for the purpose of 
carrying out multimedia campaigns to increase public edu-
cation and awareness and reduce stigma concerning— 
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‘‘(1) healthy developmental milestones for in-
fants and children that may assist in the early iden-
tification of the signs and symptoms of autism spec-
trum disorders; and 
‘‘(2) autism spectrum disorders through the 
lifespan and the challenges that individuals with au-
tism spectrum disorders face, which may include 
transitioning into adulthood, securing appropriate 
job training or postsecondary education, securing 
and holding jobs, finding suitable housing, inter-
acting with the correctional system, increasing inde-
pendence, and attaining a good quality of life. 
‘‘(b) ELIGIBILITY.—To be eligible to receive a grant 
under subsection (a), an entity shall— 
‘‘(1) submit to the Secretary an application at 
such time, in such manner, and containing such in-
formation as the Secretary may require; and 
‘‘(2) provide assurance that the multimedia 
campaign implemented under such grant will provide 
information that is tailored to the intended audience, 
which may be a diverse public audience or a specific 
audience, such as health professionals, criminal jus-
tice professionals, or emergency response profes-
sionals.’’. 
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‘‘(1) as preventing a group health plan or 
health insurance issuer from imposing financial re-
quirements or limits in relation to benefits for the 
diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum dis-
orders, except that such financial requirements or 
limits for any such benefits may not be less favor-
able to the individual than such financial require-
ments or limits for substantially all other medical 
and surgical benefits covered by the plan, and there 
shall be no separate financial requirements or limits 
that are applicable only with respect to benefits for 
the diagnosis or treatment of autism spectrum dis-
orders; or 
‘‘(2) to prevent a group health plan or a health 
insurance issuer from negotiating the level and type 
of reimbursement with a provider for care provided 
in accordance with this section. 
‘‘(c) NOTICE UNDER GROUP HEALTH PLAN.—The 
imposition of the requirements of this section shall be 
treated as a material modification in the terms of the plan 
described in section 102(a)(1), for purposes of assuring 
notice of such requirements under the plan, except that 
the summary description required to be provided under the 
last sentence of section 104(b)(1) with respect to such 
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modification shall be provided not later than the earlier 
of— 
‘‘(1) 60 days after the first day of the first plan 
year in which such requirements apply; or 
‘‘(2) in the first mailing after the date of enact-
ment of the Autism Treatment Acceleration Act of 
2009 made by the plan or issuer to the enrollee. 
‘‘(d) PROHIBITIONS.—A group health plan, and a 
health insurance issuer offering group health insurance 
coverage in connection with a group health plan, shall 
not— 
‘‘(1) deny to an individual eligibility, or contin-
ued eligibility, to enroll or to renew coverage under 
the terms of the plan, solely for the purpose of 
avoiding the requirements of this section; or 
‘‘(2) deny coverage otherwise available under 
this section on the basis that such coverage will 
not— 
‘‘(A) develop skills or functioning; 
‘‘(B) maintain skills or functioning; 
‘‘(C) restore skills or functioning; or 
‘‘(D) prevent the loss of skills or func-
tioning. 
‘‘(e) PREEMPTION; RELATION TO STATE LAW.— 
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