(a) (1) On or before April 1, 2002, the department shall develop evaluation and diagnostic procedures for the diagnosis of autism disorder and other autistic spectrum disorders.

(2) The department shall publish or arrange for the publication of the evaluation and diagnostic procedures required by paragraph (1). The published evaluation and diagnostic procedures shall be available to the public.

(b) The department shall develop a training program for regional center clinical staff in the utilization of diagnostic procedures for the diagnosis of autism disorder. The training program shall be implemented on or before July 1, 2002.

(Added by Stats. 2001, Ch. 171, Sec. 26. Effective August 10, 2001.)