256.35A Iowa autism council.
1. An Iowa autism council is created to act in an advisory capacity to the state in developing and implementing a comprehensive, coordinated system to provide appropriate diagnostic, intervention, and support services for children with autism and to meet the unique needs of adults with autism.
2. a. The council shall consist of thirteen voting members appointed by the governor and confirmed by the senate. The majority of the voting members shall be individuals with autism or members of their families. Additionally, each of the following shall be represented among the voting members:
(1) Autism diagnostic and research specialists.
(2) Individuals with recognized expertise in utilizing best practices for diagnosis, intervention, education, and support services for individuals with autism.
(3) Individuals providing residential services for individuals with autism.
(4) Mental health professionals with background or expertise in a pertinent mental health field such as psychiatry, psychology, or behavioral health.
(5) Private insurers.
(6) Teachers and representatives of area education agencies.
b. In addition, representatives of the department of education, the division of vocational rehabilitation of the department of education, the department of public health, the department of human services, the Iowa developmental disabilities council, the division of insurance of the department of commerce, and the state board of regents shall serve as ex officio members of the advisory council. Ex officio members shall work together in a collaborative manner to serve as a resource to the advisory council. The council may also form workgroups as necessary to address specific issues within the technical purview of individual members.
c. Voting members shall serve three-year terms beginning and ending as provided in section 69.19, and appointments shall comply with sections 69.16 and 69.16A. Vacancies on the council shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment. A person appointed to fill a vacancy shall serve only for the unexpired portion of the term. Public members shall receive reimbursement for actual expenses incurred while serving in their official capacity and may also be eligible to receive compensation as provided in section 7E.6.
d. The council shall elect a chairperson from its voting members annually. A majority of the voting members of the council shall constitute a quorum.
e. The department shall convene and provide administrative support to the council.
3. The council shall focus its efforts on addressing the unmet needs of individuals with autism at various levels of severity and their families. The council shall address all of the following:
a. Early identification by medical professionals of autism, including education and training of health care and mental health care professionals and the use of best practice guidelines.
b. Appropriate early and intensive early intervention services with access to models of training.
c. Integration and coordination of the medical community, community educators, childhood educators, health care providers, and community-based services into a seamless support system for individuals and their families.
d. General and special education support services.
e. In-home support services for families requiring behavioral and other supports.
f. Training for educators, parents, siblings, and other family members.
g. Enhancing of community agency responsiveness to the living, learning, and employment needs of adults with autism and provision of services including but not limited to respite services, crisis intervention, employment assistance, case management, and long-term care options.
h. Financing options including but not limited to medical assistance waivers and private health insurance coverage.
i. Data collection.
4. The council shall meet quarterly. The council shall submit a report to the governor and the general assembly, annually by December 15, identifying the needs and making recommendations for improving and enhancing the lives of individuals with autism and their families.
5. For the purposes of this section, “autism” means a spectrum disorder that includes at various levels of severity, autism, Asperger’s disorder, pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified, Rett’s syndrome, and childhood disintegrative disorder.
2008 Acts, ch 1187, §126; 2012 Acts, ch 1023, §34
Confirmation, see §2.32
Structure Iowa Code
Title VII - EDUCATION AND CULTURAL AFFAIRS
Chapter 256 - DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Section 256.1 - Department established.
Section 256.3 - State board established.
Section 256.4 - Oath — vacancies.
Section 256.5 - Compensation and expenses.
Section 256.5A - Nonvoting member.
Section 256.6 - Regular and special meetings.
Section 256.7 - Duties of state board.
Section 256.8 - Director of department of education.
Section 256.9 - Duties of director.
Section 256.9A - Limitation on guidance and interpretations.
Section 256.10 - Employment of professional staff.
Section 256.10A - Duties of consultants.
Section 256.11 - Educational standards.
Section 256.11A - Teacher librarian — guidance counselor — school nurse — waivers.
Section 256.11B - Career and technical education instruction — nonpublic schools.
Section 256.12 - Sharing instructors and services.
Section 256.13 - Nonresident pupils.
Section 256.14 - Permanent revolving fund.
Section 256.15 - Nonpublic school advisory committee.
Section 256.16 - Specific criteria for teacher preparation and certain educators.
Section 256.17 - Postsecondary course audit committee.
Section 256.18 - Character education policy.
Section 256.18A - Service learning.
Section 256.19 - Pilot projects to improve instructional programs.
Section 256.20 - Year around schools.
Section 256.21 - Sabbatical program.
Section 256.22 - Extended year school grant program.
Section 256.23 - Administrative advancement and recruitment program.
Section 256.24 - Competency-based education grant program.
Section 256.25 - Therapeutic classroom incentive grant program — fund.
Section 256.25A - Therapeutic classroom — claims.
Section 256.26 - Before and after school grant program.
Section 256.27 - Online state job posting system.
Section 256.28 - Teach Iowa student teaching pilot project.
Section 256.29 - Council on educator development established.
Section 256.30 - Educational expenses for American Indians.
Section 256.31 - Community college council.
Section 256.32 - Council for agricultural education.
Section 256.32A - Iowa dyslexia board.
Section 256.33 - Educational technology assistance.
Section 256.34 - Fine arts beginning teacher mentoring program.
Section 256.35 - Regional autism assistance program.
Section 256.35A - Iowa autism council.
Section 256.36 - Math and science grant program.
Section 256.37 - School restructuring and effectiveness — policy — findings.
Section 256.38 - School-to-work transition system.
Section 256.39 - Career pathways program.
Section 256.41 - Online learning requirements — school districts.
Section 256.42 - Iowa learning online initiative.
Section 256.43 - Online learning program model.
Section 256.44 - National board certification pilot project.
Section 256.45 - Ambassador to education.
Section 256.46 - Rules for participation in extracurricular activities by certain children.
Section 256.50 - Division of library services — definitions.
Section 256.51 - Division of library services — duties and responsibilities.
Section 256.53 - State publications.
Section 256.54 - State library — law library.
Section 256.55 - State data center.
Section 256.56 - Electronic access to documents.
Section 256.57 - Enrich Iowa program.
Section 256.58 - Library support network.
Section 256.59 - Specialized library services.
Section 256.60 - Library service areas established — purposes.
Section 256.61 - Library service areas and boards of trustees — appointment — terms.
Section 256.62 - Library services advisory panel.
Section 256.66 - Powers and duties of regional trustees.
Section 256.67 - Duties of the area administrator.
Section 256.67A - Insurance eligibility.
Section 256.68 - Distribution and administration of funds.
Section 256.69 - Local financial support.
Section 256.70 - Library compact authorized.
Section 256.71 - Administrator.
Section 256.81 - Public broadcasting division created — administrator — duties.
Section 256.82 - Board — advisory committees.
Section 256.84 - Powers — facilities — rules.
Section 256.85 - Purchase of energy efficiency packages.
Section 256.86 - Competition with private sector.
Section 256.87 - Capital equipment replacement revolving fund.