26B-1-424.  Adult Autism Treatment Program Advisory Committee — Membership — Procedures — Compensation — Duties — Expenses.

(1)  As used in this section, “autism spectrum disorder” means the same as that term is defined in Section 31A-22-642.

Terms Used In Utah Code 26B-1-424

  • Executive director: means the executive director of the department appointed under Section 26B-1-203. See Utah Code 26B-1-102
  • Quorum: The number of legislators that must be present to do business.
  • State: when applied to the different parts of the United States, includes a state, district, or territory of the United States. See Utah Code 68-3-12.5
(2)  The Adult Autism Treatment Advisory Committee created in Section 26B-1-204 shall consist of six members appointed by the governor to two-year terms as follows:

(a)  one individual who:

(i)  has a doctorate degree in psychology;

(ii)  is a licensed behavior analyst practicing in the state; and

(iii)  has treated adults with an autism spectrum disorder for at least three years;

(b)  one individual who is:

(i)  employed by the department; and

(ii)  has professional experience with the treatment of autism spectrum disorder;

(c)  three individuals who have firsthand experience with autism spectrum disorders and the effects, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of autism spectrum disorders, including:

(i)  family members of an adult with an autism spectrum disorder;

(ii)  representatives of an association that advocates for adults with an autism spectrum disorder; and

(iii)  specialists or professionals who work with adults with an autism spectrum disorder; and

(d)  one individual who is:

(i)  a health insurance professional;

(ii)  holds a Doctor of Medicine or Doctor of Philosophy degree, with professional experience relating to the treatment of autism spectrum disorder; and

(iii)  has a knowledge of autism benefits and therapy that are typically covered by the health insurance industry.

(3) 

(a)  Notwithstanding Subsection (2), the governor shall, at the time of appointment or reappointment, adjust the length of terms to ensure the terms of members are staggered so that approximately half of the advisory committee is appointed every year.

(b)  If a vacancy occurs in the membership of the advisory committee, the governor may appoint a replacement for the unexpired term.

(c)  The advisory committee shall annually elect a chair from its membership.

(d)  A majority of the advisory committee constitutes a quorum at any meeting and, if a quorum exists, the action of the majority of members present is the action of the advisory committee.

(4)  The advisory committee shall meet as necessary to:

(a)  advise the department regarding implementation of the Adult Autism Treatment Program created in Section 26B-4-602;

(b)  make recommendations to the department and the Legislature for improving the Adult Autism Treatment Program; and

(c)  before October 1 each year, provide a written report of the advisory committee’s activities and recommendations to:

(i)  the executive director;

(ii)  the Health and Human Services Interim Committee; and

(iii)  the Social Services Appropriations Subcommittee.

(5)  The advisory committee shall comply with the procedures and requirements of:

(a)  Title 52, Chapter 4, Open and Public Meetings Act; and

(b)  Title 63G, Chapter 2, Government Records Access and Management Act.

(6)  A member may not receive compensation or benefits for the member’s service, but may receive per diem and travel expenses in accordance with:

(a)  Section 63A-3-106;

(b)  Section 63A-3-107; and

(c)  rules made by the Division of Finance pursuant to Sections 63A-3-106 and 63A-3-107.

(7) 

(a)  The department shall staff the advisory committee.

(b)  Expenses of the advisory committee, including the cost of advisory committee staff if approved by the executive director, may be paid only with funds from the Adult Autism Treatment Account created in Section 26B-1-322.

Renumbered and Amended by Chapter 305, 2023 General Session