The regulations that govern autism and disability policy and service delivery are complex and involve multiple state agencies. A key activity of our Public Policy team is providing technical assistance to craft regulations that are in the best interest of our stakeholders and the greater autism community. In addition, we strive to review and monitor the rules and regulations governing autism services to ensure compliance and enforcement.

Special Education

State Agency Overseeing: Department of Education

Autism New Jersey advocates for students with autism across the continuum of educational settings.

  • Public Schools – Creation of a Job Code for Board Certified Behavior Analysts.
  • Private Schools – In June 2017, the Department of Education (DOE) adopted new fiscal rules for the approximately 160 Approved Private Schools for Students with Disabilities (APSSD) in New Jersey. We continue to recommend the creation of a “Fiscal Code Advisory Council” to hear implementation concerns and ensure clarity and consistency among stakeholders.
  • Restraint/Seclusion Law – DOE Guidance

Early Intervention

State Agency Overseeing: Department of Health/Early Intervention System

  • Recognition of BCBA credential for Early Intervention providers.

Insurance

State Agency Overseeing: Department of Banking and Insurance

  • Insurance workgroups to monitor and improve the implementation of the insurance mandate.

Medicaid Funding for Adult Services

State Agency Overseeing: Department of Human Services/Division of Development Disabilities

  • Statewide Transition Plan — Read more about Autism New Jersey’s advocacy efforts to ensure housing choice and availability.
  • FamilyCare Comprehensive Demonstration (formerly called the Comprehensive Medicaid Waiver)
    Approved as of August 1, 2017, through June 30, 2022, and allows continued funding for the following programs:

    • Supports Program – enrollment ongoing
    • Community Care Program (formerly the Community Care Waiver) — enrollment and conversion to Fee for Service are ongoing.
    • Pilot Program for Dual Diagnosed – program components included in draft, not yet available

Medicaid Funding for Children’s Services

State Agency Overseeing: (TBD) Department of Children and Families/Children’s System of Care OR Department of Human Service/Division of Medical Assistance and Health Services