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ENROLLED
2026 Regular Session
HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 27
BY REPRESENTATIVES SPELL AND CHASSION
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
To urge and request the Louisiana Department of Health and the state Department of
Education, in collaboration with the Louisiana Chapter of the American Academy
of Pediatrics, to develop and complete a comprehensive report analyzing the current
breadth, quality, and adequacy of autism support services in Louisiana.
WHEREAS, autism spectrum disorder affects a significant number of individuals and
families in Louisiana and requires a range of specialized support services across health,
education, and community sectors; and
WHEREAS, accurate, timely, and consistent diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder
is the essential gateway to early intervention and appropriate support services; and
WHEREAS, clinical assessments and diagnostic evaluations for autism spectrum
disorder are performed by multiple provider types, including pediatric primary care
providers, developmental-behavioral pediatricians, child psychologists, child psychiatrists,
pediatric neurologists, and school psychologists; and
WHEREAS, variations in tools, protocols, training, and standards across such fields
may impact diagnostic accuracy, consistency, timeliness, and equity of access to services;
and
WHEREAS, the Trump administration's Make America Healthy Again Commission
issued the Make Our Children Healthy Again Assessment; it brings critical attention to the
rising prevalence of autism spectrum disorder in the United States, highlighting it as part of
an unprecedented childhood chronic health crisis and calling for urgent action to address root
causes and improve outcomes for affected children; and
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HCR NO. 27 ENROLLED
WHEREAS, following the federal government's leadership in prioritizing the
assessment and reversal of chronic childhood conditions, including autism spectrum
disorder, it is necessary to undergo a thorough evaluation of Louisiana's autism support
services to ensure alignment with best practices and to address any deficiencies; and
WHEREAS, collaboration between the Louisiana Department of Health, the state
Department of Education, and the Louisiana Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics
is critical to address the multifaceted needs of children with autism.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of Louisiana does hereby
urge and request the Louisiana Department of Health and the state Department of Education,
in collaboration with the Louisiana Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, to
develop and complete a comprehensive report analyzing the current breadth, quality, and
adequacy of autism support services in Louisiana.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the report shall include a comprehensive review
and evaluation of existing clinical assessment tools, diagnostic protocols, and evaluation
processes for autism spectrum disorder across all provider types including but not limited
to pediatricians, developmental-behavioral pediatricians, child psychologists, child
psychiatrists, pediatric neurologists, and school psychologists.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the report shall include an assessment of
standardization; training requirements; inter-rater reliability; adherence to current
evidence-based guidelines, such as those from the American Academy of Pediatrics and
DSM-5-TR; wait times; cultural and linguistic competency; access barriers; consistency of
application; and overall diagnostic quality and equity.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the report shall include a comparison of
Louisiana's autism support services and diagnostic practices to those in other states.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the report shall identify system and service gaps;
service utilization trends; reimbursement inadequacies; workforce gaps; clinical quality
concerns, including diagnostic practices; fraud concerns; and any other factors deemed
relevant by the Louisiana Department of Health, the state Department of Education, and the
Louisiana Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics.
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HCR NO. 27 ENROLLED
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that, in recognition of the Make Our Children
Healthy Again Assessment's critical spotlight on autism spectrum disorder, and following
the federal government's leadership on this issue, the report shall inform Louisiana's efforts
to improve autism support services and outcomes for children and families in the state.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the report shall be submitted to the legislature
no later than January 1, 2027.
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE
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