Fiscal impact reports (FIRs) are prepared by the Legislative Finance Committee (LFC) for standing finance committees of the NM Legislature. The LFC does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of these reports if they are used for other purposes.

Current FIRs (in HTML & Adobe PDF formats) are available on the NM Legislative Website (legis.state.nm.us). Adobe PDF versions include all attachments, whereas HTML versions may not. Previously issued FIRs and attachments may also be obtained from the LFC in Suite 101 of the State Capitol Building North.

F I S C A L I M P A C T R E P O R T

SPONSOR	King		DATE TYPED	2/9/04		HB	399
SHORT TITLE		Autistic Children Diagnostic Evaluations				SB
					ANALYST		Dunbar

APPROPRIATION

Appropriation Contained		Estimated Additional Impact		Recurring or Non-Rec	Fund Affected
FY04	FY05	FY04	FY05
	$243.5		See Narrative	Recurring	General Fund

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

LFC Files

Responses Received From

Department of Health (DOH)

Children Youth and Families Department (CYFD)

NM Commission on Higher Education (NMCHD)

SUMMARY

Synopsis of Bill

House Bill 399 appropriates $243,500 to University of New Mexico for diagnostic evaluation for children with autism spectrum disorder.

Significant Issues

The numbers of children who are suspected of having autism spectrum disorders and need evaluations have increased significantly both nationally and in New Mexico. Diagnostic evaluations require a highly qualified inter-disciplinary team. The University of New Mexico, Health Sciences Center, Center for Development and Disability has expertise and this additional appropriation could assist in meeting the increase need for diagnostic evaluations for autism spectrum disorders across New Mexico. Historically funding for diagnostic evaluations for children with autism spectrum disorders and other developmental disabilities have been funded through the Department of Health, Family, Infant, Toddler Program.

This request was not among the priorities for FY 05 funding submitted by the UNM Board of Regents to the CHE. Consequently, the Commission did not review it.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

The appropriation of $243.5contained in this bill is a recurring expense to the General Fund. Any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of FY 05 shall revert to the General Fund.

The estimated cost for providing coordinating, conducting and writing the report for a diagnostic evaluation for a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder is approximately $950.00. This cost may be increased if the diagnostic team travels to the local community.

CHE reports students with disabilities are funded for diagnostic evaluations through the public school formula every three years.

TECHNICAL ISSUES

HB 399 should specify the University of New Mexico – Health Sciences Center, Center for Development and Disability as the intended recipient of these funds.

The Department of Health has a Master Agreement with the UNM Health Sciences Center that includes the Early Childhood Evaluation Program (ECEP). The sponsor may wish to consider appropriating the funding contained in HB 399 in the Department of Health for inclusion in the current Master Agreement with the UNM Health Sciences Center.

OTHER SUBSTANTIVE ISSUES

DOH provides the following observations:

q Nationally, the growth of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) has increased by an alarming rate of 172% as compared to a 16% for all other developmental disabilities. Anecdotal evidence shows the numbers of children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders has increased over the past 5–10 years. Estimates indicate there may be 3,600 to 10,800 children and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders in New Mexico, with an estimated 270 to 810 children under the age of five. Identification of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders typically occurs between the ages of 2 to 4 years old.

q The Southwest Autism Network and the Early Childhood Evaluation Program have expertise in working with children with autism here in New Mexico. Both programs are located at the University of New Mexico – Health Sciences Center, Center for Development & Disability and serve children across New Mexico. The center operates an autism clinic and also conducts diagnostic evaluation in local communities.

BD/njw