Part R—Programs Relating to Autism

§280i. Developmental disabilities surveillance and research program

(a) Autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities

(1) In general

The Secretary, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, may award grants or cooperative agreements to eligible entities for the collection, analysis, and reporting of State epidemiological data for children and adults with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities. An eligible entity shall assist with the development and coordination of State autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disability surveillance efforts within a region. In making such awards, the Secretary may provide direct technical assistance in lieu of cash.

(2) Data standards

In submitting epidemiological data to the Secretary pursuant to paragraph (1), an eligible entity shall report data according to guidelines prescribed by the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, after consultation with relevant State, local, and Tribal public health officials, private sector developmental disability researchers, and advocates for individuals with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities.

(3) Eligibility

To be eligible to receive an award under paragraph (1), an entity shall be a public or nonprofit private entity (including a health department of a State or a political subdivision of a State, a university, any other educational institution, an Indian tribe, or a tribal organization), and submit to the Secretary an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require.

(b) Centers of excellence in autism spectrum disorder epidemiology

(1) In general

The Secretary, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, shall, subject to the availability of appropriations, award grants or cooperative agreements for the establishment or support of regional centers of excellence in autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities epidemiology for the purpose of collecting and analyzing information on the number, incidence, correlates, and causes of autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities for children and adults.

(2) Requirements

To be eligible to receive a grant or cooperative agreement under paragraph (1), an entity shall submit to the Secretary an application containing such agreements and information as the Secretary may require, including an agreement that the center to be established or supported under the grant or cooperative agreement shall operate in accordance with the following:

(A) The center will collect, analyze, and report autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disability data according to guidelines prescribed by the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, after consultation with State, local, and Tribal public health officials, private sector developmental disability researchers, advocates for individuals with autism spectrum disorder, and advocates for individuals with other developmental disabilities.

(B) The center will develop or extend an area of special research expertise (including genetics, epigenetics, and epidemiological research related to environmental exposures), immunology, and other relevant research specialty areas.

(C) The center will identify eligible cases and controls through its surveillance system and conduct research into factors which may cause or increase the risk of autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities.

(c) Federal response

The Secretary shall coordinate the Federal response to requests for assistance from State health, mental health, and education department officials regarding potential or alleged autism spectrum disorder or developmental disability clusters.

(d) Definitions

In this part:

(1) Indian tribe; tribal organization

The terms "Indian tribe" and "tribal organization" have the meanings given such terms in section 1603 of title 25.

(2) Other developmental disabilities

The term "other developmental disabilities" has the meaning given the term "developmental disability" in section 15002(8) of this title.

(3) State

The term "State" means each of the several States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Virgin Islands, and the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands.

(e) Sunset

This section shall not apply after December 20, 2024.

(July 1, 1944, ch. 373, title III, §399AA, as added Pub. L. 109–416, §3(a), Dec. 19, 2006, 120 Stat. 2822; amended Pub. L. 112–32, §2(1), Sept. 30, 2011, 125 Stat. 361; Pub. L. 113–157, §3, Aug. 8, 2014, 128 Stat. 1831; Pub. L. 116–60, §3(a), Sept. 30, 2019, 133 Stat. 1111; Pub. L. 118–83, div. B, title II, §201(a), Sept. 26, 2024, 138 Stat. 1537.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2024—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 118–83 substituted "December 20, 2024" for "September 30, 2024".

2019—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 116–60, §3(a)(1), substituted "adults with autism spectrum disorder" for "adults on autism spectrum disorder".

Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 116–60, §3(a)(2), substituted "State, local, and Tribal public health officials" for "State and local public health officials" and "and other developmental disabilities" for "or other developmental disabilities".

Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 116–60, §3(a)(3), substituted "a university, any other educational institution, an Indian tribe, or a tribal organization" for "a university, or any other educational institution".

Subsec. (b)(2)(A). Pub. L. 116–60, §3(a)(4), substituted "State, local, and Tribal public health officials, private sector developmental disability researchers, advocates for individuals with autism spectrum disorder, and advocates for individuals with other developmental disabilities" for "relevant State and local public health officials, private sector developmental disability researchers, and advocates for individuals with developmental disabilities".

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 116–60, §3(a)(5), added par. (1) and redesignated former pars. (1) and (2) as (2) and (3), respectively.

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 116–60, §3(a)(6), substituted "2024" for "2019".

2014—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 113–157, §3(1), inserted "for children and adults" after "reporting of State epidemiological data".

Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 113–157, §3(2), substituted "establishment or support of regional centers of excellence" for "establishment of regional centers of excellence" and inserted "for children and adults" before period at end.

Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 113–157, §3(3), substituted "center to be established or supported" for "center to be established" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 113–157, §3(4), substituted "2019" for "2014".

2011—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 112–32 substituted "2014" for "2011".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

National Autism Spectrum Disorder Initiative

Pub. L. 113–157, §2, Aug. 8, 2014, 128 Stat. 1831, provided that:

"(a) In General.—The Secretary of Health and Human Services shall designate an existing official within the Department of Health and Human Services to oversee, in consultation with the Secretaries of Defense and Education, national autism spectrum disorder research, services, and support activities.

"(b) Duties.—The official designated under subsection (a) shall—

"(1) implement autism spectrum disorder activities, taking into account the strategic plan developed by the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee under section 399CC(b) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 280i–2(b)); and

"(2) ensure that autism spectrum disorder activities of the Department of Health and Human Services and of other Federal departments and agencies are not unnecessarily duplicative."

Executive Documents

Termination of Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands

For termination of Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, see note set out preceding section 1681 of Title 48, Territories and Insular Possessions.

§280i–1. Autism education, early detection, and intervention

(a) Purpose

It is the purpose of this section—

(1) to increase awareness, reduce barriers to screening and diagnosis, promote evidence-based interventions for individuals with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities, and train professionals to utilize valid and reliable screening tools to diagnose or rule out and provide evidence-based interventions for individuals with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities across their lifespan; and

(2) to conduct activities under this section with a focus on an interdisciplinary approach (as defined in programs developed under section 501(a)(2) of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 701(a)(2)]) that will also focus on specific issues for children who are not receiving an early diagnosis and subsequent interventions.

(b) In general

The Secretary shall, subject to the availability of appropriations, establish and evaluate activities to—

(1) provide culturally competent information and education on autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities to increase public awareness of developmental milestones;

(2) promote research into the development and validation of reliable screening tools for individuals with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities and disseminate information regarding those screening tools;

(3) promote early screening of individuals at higher risk for autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities as early as practicable, given evidence-based screening techniques and interventions;

(4) promote evidence-based screening techniques and interventions for individuals with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities across their lifespan;

(5) increase the number of individuals who are able to confirm or rule out a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities;

(6) increase the number of individuals able to provide evidence-based interventions for individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder or other developmental disabilities; and

(7) promote the use of evidence-based interventions for individuals at higher risk for autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities as early as practicable.

(c) Information and education

(1) In general

In carrying out subsection (b)(1), the Secretary, in collaboration with the Secretary of Education and the Secretary of Agriculture, shall, subject to the availability of appropriations, provide culturally competent information regarding autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities, risk factors, characteristics, identification, diagnosis or rule out, and evidence-based interventions to meet the needs of individuals with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities across their lifespan and the needs of their families through—

(A) Federal programs, including—

(i) the Head Start program;

(ii) the Early Start program;

(iii) the Healthy Start program;

(iv) programs under the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 [42 U.S.C. 9857 et seq.];

(v) programs under title XIX of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 1396 et seq.] (particularly the Medicaid Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment Program);

(vi) the program under title XXI of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 1397aa et seq.] (the State Children's Health Insurance Program);

(vii) the program under title V of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 701 et seq.] (the Maternal and Child Health Block Grant Program);

(viii) the program under parts B and C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act [20 U.S.C. 1411 et seq., 1431 et seq.];

(ix) the special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants, and children established under section 1786 of this title; and

(x) the State grant program under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 [29 U.S.C. 701 et seq.].

(B) State licensed child care facilities; and

(C) other community-based organizations or points of entry for individuals with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities to receive services.

(2) Lead agency

(A) Designation

As a condition on the provision of assistance or the conduct of activities under this section with respect to a State, the Secretary may require the Governor of the State—

(i) to designate a public agency as a lead agency to coordinate the activities provided for under paragraph (1) in the State at the State level; and

(ii) acting through such lead agency, to make available to individuals and their family members, guardians, advocates, or authorized representatives; providers; and other appropriate individuals in the State, comprehensive culturally competent information about State and local resources regarding autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities, risk factors, characteristics, identification, diagnosis or rule out, available services and supports (which may include respite care for caregivers of individuals with autism spectrum disorder or other developmental disabilities), and evidence-based interventions.

(B) Requirements of agency

In designating the lead agency under subparagraph (A)(i), the Governor shall—

(i) select an agency that has demonstrated experience and expertise in—

(I) autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disability issues; and

(II) developing, implementing, conducting, and administering programs and delivering education, information, and referral services (including technology-based curriculum-development services) to individuals with autism spectrum disorder and developmental disabilities and their family members, guardians, advocates or authorized representatives, providers, and other appropriate individuals locally and across the State; and

(ii) consider input from individuals with autism spectrum disorder and developmental disabilities and their family members, guardians, advocates or authorized representatives, providers, and other appropriate individuals.

(C) Information

Information under subparagraph (A)(ii) shall be provided through—

(i) toll-free telephone numbers;

(ii) Internet websites;

(iii) mailings; or

(iv) such other means as the Governor may require.

(d) Tools

(1) In general

To promote the use of valid and reliable screening tools for autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities, the Secretary shall develop a curriculum for continuing education to assist individuals in recognizing the need for valid and reliable screening tools and the use of such tools.

(2) Collection, storage, coordination, and availability

The Secretary, in collaboration with the Secretary of Education, shall provide for the collection, storage, coordination, and public availability of tools described in paragraph (1), educational materials and other products that are used by the Federal programs referred to in subsection (c)(1)(A), as well as—

(A) programs authorized under the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000 [42 U.S.C. 15001 et seq.];

(B) early intervention programs or interagency coordinating councils authorized under part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act [20 U.S.C. 1431 et seq.]; and

(C) children with special health care needs programs authorized under title V of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 701 et seq.].

(3) Required sharing

In establishing mechanisms and entities under this subsection, the Secretary, and the Secretary of Education, shall ensure the sharing of tools, materials, and products developed under this subsection among entities receiving funding under this section.

(e) Diagnosis

(1) Training

The Secretary, in coordination with activities conducted under title V of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 701 et seq.], shall, subject to the availability of appropriations, expand existing interdisciplinary training opportunities or opportunities to increase the number of sites able to diagnose or rule out individuals with autism spectrum disorder or other developmental disabilities across their lifespan and ensure that—

(A) competitive grants or cooperative agreements are awarded to public or nonprofit agencies, including institutions of higher education, to expand existing or develop new maternal and child health interdisciplinary leadership education in neurodevelopmental and related disabilities programs (similar to the programs developed under section 501(a)(2) of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 701(a)(2)]) in States that do not have such a program;

(B) trainees under such training programs—

(i) receive an appropriate balance of academic, clinical, and community opportunities;

(ii) are culturally competent;

(iii) are ethnically diverse;

(iv) demonstrate a capacity to evaluate, diagnose or rule out, develop, and provide evidence-based interventions to individuals with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities across their lifespan; and

(v) demonstrate an ability to use a family-centered approach, which may include collaborating with research centers or networks to provide training for providers of respite care (as defined in section 300ii of this title); and

(C) program sites provide culturally competent services.

(2) Developmental-behavioral pediatrician training programs

(A) In general

In making awards under this subsection, the Secretary may prioritize awards to applicants that are developmental-behavioral pediatrician training programs located in rural or underserved areas.

(B) Definition of underserved area

In this paragraph, the term "underserved area" means—

(i) a health professional shortage area (as defined in section 254e(a)(1)(A) of this title); and

(ii) an urban or rural area designated by the Secretary as an area with a shortage of personal health services (as described in section 254b(b)(3)(A) of this title).

(3) Technical assistance

The Secretary may award one or more grants under this section to provide technical assistance to the network of interdisciplinary training programs.

(4) Best practices

The Secretary shall promote research into additional valid and reliable tools for shortening the time required to confirm or rule out a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder or other developmental disabilities and detecting individuals with autism spectrum disorder or other developmental disabilities at an earlier age.

(f) Intervention

The Secretary shall promote research, through grants or contracts, which may include grants or contracts to research centers or networks, to determine the evidence-based practices for interventions to improve the physical and behavioral health of individuals with autism spectrum disorder or other developmental disabilities across the lifespan of such individuals, develop guidelines for those interventions, and disseminate information related to such research and guidelines.

(g) Sunset

This section shall not apply after December 20, 2024.

(July 1, 1944, ch. 373, title III, §399BB, as added Pub. L. 109–416, §3(a), Dec. 19, 2006, 120 Stat. 2823; amended Pub. L. 112–32, §2(2), Sept. 30, 2011, 125 Stat. 361; Pub. L. 113–157, §4, Aug. 8, 2014, 128 Stat. 1831; Pub. L. 116–60, §3(b), Sept. 30, 2019, 133 Stat. 1111; Pub. L. 118–83, div. B, title II, §201(b), Sept. 26, 2024, 138 Stat. 1537.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990, referred to in subsec. (c)(1)(A)(iv), is subchapter C (§658A et seq.) of chapter 8 of subtitle A of title VI of Pub. L. 97–35, as added by Pub. L. 101–508, title V, §5082(2), Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1388–236, which is classified generally to subchapter II–B (§9857 et seq.) of chapter 105 of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 9857(a) of this title and Tables.

The Social Security Act, referred to in subsecs. (c)(1)(A)(v)–(vii), (d)(2)(C), and (e)(1), is act Aug. 14, 1935, ch. 531, 49 Stat. 620. Titles V, XIX, and XXI of the Act are classified generally to subchapters V (§701 et seq.), XIX (§1396 et seq.), and XXI (§1397aa et seq.), respectively, of chapter 7 of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 1305 of this title and Tables.

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, referred to in subsecs. (c)(1)(A)(viii) and (d)(2)(B), is title VI of Pub. L. 91–230, Apr. 13, 1970, 84 Stat. 175. Parts B and C of the Act are classified generally to subchapters II (§1411 et seq.) and III (§1431 et seq.), respectively, of chapter 33 of Title 20, Education. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 1400 of Title 20 and Tables.

The Rehabilitation Act of 1973, referred to in subsec. (c)(1)(A)(x), is Pub. L. 93–112, Sept. 26, 1973, 87 Stat. 355, which is classified principally to chapter 16 (§701 et seq.) of Title 29, Labor. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 701 of Title 29 and Tables.

The Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000, referred to in subsec. (d)(2)(A), is Pub. L. 106–402, Oct. 30, 2000, 114 Stat. 1677, which is classified principally to chapter 144 (§15001 et seq.) of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 15001 of this title and Tables.

Amendments

2024—Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 118–83 substituted "December 20, 2024" for "September 30, 2024".

2019—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 116–60, §3(b)(1), substituted "individuals with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities" for "individuals with autism spectrum disorder or other developmental disabilities" and "individuals with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities across their lifespan;" for "children with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities;".

Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 116–60, §3(b)(2)(A), inserted "individuals with" before "autism spectrum disorder".

Subsec. (b)(4) to (7). Pub. L. 116–60, §3(b)(2)(B), (C), added par. (4) and redesignated former pars. (4) to (6) as (5) to (7), respectively.

Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 116–60, §3(b)(3)(A), substituted "the needs of individuals with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities across their lifespan and the needs of their families" for "the needs of individuals with autism spectrum disorder or other developmental disabilities and their families" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (c)(2)(A)(ii). Pub. L. 116–60, §3(b)(3)(B)(i), substituted "caregivers of individuals with autism spectrum disorder or other developmental disabilities" for "caregivers of individuals with an autism spectrum disorder".

Subsec. (c)(2)(B)(i)(II). Pub. L. 116–60, §3(b)(3)(B)(ii), inserted "autism spectrum disorder and" after "individuals with".

Subsec. (c)(2)(B)(ii). Pub. L. 116–60, §3(b)(3)(B)(iii), inserted "autism spectrum disorder and" after "individuals with".

Subsec. (e)(1). Pub. L. 116–60, §3(b)(4)(A)(i), inserted "across their lifespan" before "and ensure" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (e)(1)(B)(iv). Pub. L. 116–60, §3(b)(4)(A)(ii), inserted "across their lifespan" after "other developmental disabilities".

Subsec. (e)(2) to (4). Pub. L. 116–60, §3(b)(4)(B), (C), added par. (2) and redesignated former pars. (2) and (3) as (3) and (4), respectively.

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 116–60, §3(b)(5), inserted "across the lifespan of such individuals" after "other developmental disabilities".

Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 116–60, §3(b)(6), substituted "2024" for "2019".

2014—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 113–157, §4(1), inserted "culturally competent" after "provide".

Subsec. (c)(2)(A)(ii). Pub. L. 113–157, §4(2), inserted "(which may include respite care for caregivers of individuals with an autism spectrum disorder)" after "services and supports".

Subsec. (e)(1)(B)(v). Pub. L. 113–157, §4(3), inserted before semicolon ", which may include collaborating with research centers or networks to provide training for providers of respite care (as defined in section 300ii of this title)".

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 113–157, §4(4), substituted "grants or contracts, which may include grants or contracts to research centers or networks, to determine the evidence-based practices for interventions to improve the physical and behavioral health of individuals with" for "grants or contracts, to determine the evidence-based practices for interventions for individuals with".

Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 113–157, §4(5), substituted "2019" for "2014".

2011—Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 112–32 substituted "2014" for "2011".

§280i–2. Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee

(a) Establishment

The Secretary shall establish a committee, to be known as the "Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee" (in this section referred to as the "Committee"), to coordinate all efforts within the Department of Health and Human Services concerning autism spectrum disorder.

(b) Responsibilities

In carrying out its duties under this section, the Committee shall—

(1) monitor autism spectrum disorder research, and to the extent practicable services and support activities, across all relevant Federal departments and agencies, including coordination of Federal activities with respect to autism spectrum disorder;

(2) develop a summary of advances in autism spectrum disorder research related to causes, prevention, treatment, early screening, diagnosis or rule out, interventions, including school and community-based interventions, and access to services and supports for individuals with autism spectrum disorder across the lifespan of such individuals;

(3) make recommendations to the Secretary regarding any appropriate changes to such activities, including with ¹ respect to the strategic plan developed under paragraph (5);

(4) make recommendations to the Secretary regarding public participation in decisions relating to autism spectrum disorder, and the process by which public feedback can be better integrated into such decisions;

(5) develop a strategic plan for the conduct of, and support for, autism spectrum disorder research, including as practicable for services and supports, for individuals with an autism spectrum disorder across the lifespan of such individuals and the families of such individuals, which shall include—

(A) proposed budgetary requirements; and

(B) recommendations to ensure that autism spectrum disorder research, and services and support activities to the extent practicable, of the Department of Health and Human Services and of other Federal departments and agencies are not unnecessarily duplicative; and

(6) submit to Congress and the President—

(A) an annual update on the summary of advances described in paragraph (2); and

(B) an annual update to the strategic plan described in paragraph (5), including any progress made in achieving the goals outlined in such strategic plan.

(c) Membership

(1) Federal membership

The Committee shall be composed of the following Federal members—

(A) the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention;

(B) the Director of the National Institutes of Health, and the Directors of such national research institutes of the National Institutes of Health as the Secretary determines appropriate;

(C) the heads of such other agencies as the Secretary determines appropriate, such as the Administration for Community Living, Administration for Children and Families, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the Food and Drug Administration, and the Health Resources and Services Administration; and

(D) representatives of other Federal Governmental agencies that serve individuals with autism spectrum disorder such as the Department of Education, the Department of Labor, the Department of Justice, the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, and the Department of Defense.

(2) Non-Federal members

Not more than ½, but not fewer than 1/3, of the total membership of the Committee,² shall be composed of non-Federal public members to be appointed by the Secretary, of which—

(A) at least three such members shall be individuals with a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder;

(B) at least three such members shall be parents or legal guardians of an individual with an autism spectrum disorder; and

(C) at least three such members shall be representatives of leading research, advocacy, and service organizations for individuals with autism spectrum disorder.

(3) Period of appointment; vacancies

(A) Period of appointment for non-Federal members

Non-Federal members shall serve for a term of 4 years, and may be reappointed for one additional 4-year term.

(B) Vacancies

A vacancy on the Committee shall be filled in the manner in which the original appointment was made and shall not affect the powers or duties of the Committee. Any member appointed to fill a vacancy for an unexpired term shall be appointed for the remainder of such term. A member may serve after the expiration of the member's term until a successor has been appointed.

(d) Administrative support; terms of service; other provisions

The following provisions shall apply with respect to the Committee:

(1) The Committee shall receive necessary and appropriate administrative support from the Secretary.

(2) The Committee shall meet at the call of the chairperson or upon the request of the Secretary. The Committee shall meet not fewer than 2 times each year.

(3) All meetings of the Committee shall be public and shall include appropriate time periods for questions and presentations by the public.

(e) Subcommittees; establishment and membership

In carrying out its functions, the Committee may establish subcommittees and convene workshops and conferences. Such subcommittees shall be composed of Committee members and may hold such meetings as are necessary to enable the subcommittees to carry out their duties.

(f) Sunset

This section shall not apply after December 20, 2024, and the Committee shall be terminated on such date.

(July 1, 1944, ch. 373, title III, §399CC, as added Pub. L. 109–416, §3(a), Dec. 19, 2006, 120 Stat. 2827; amended Pub. L. 112–32, §2(3), Sept. 30, 2011, 125 Stat. 361; Pub. L. 113–157, §5, Aug. 8, 2014, 128 Stat. 1832; Pub. L. 116–60, §3(c), Sept. 30, 2019, 133 Stat. 1112; Pub. L. 118–83, div. B, title II, §201(c), Sept. 26, 2024, 138 Stat. 1537.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2024—Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 118–83 substituted "December 20, 2024" for "September 30, 2024".

2019—Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 116–60, §3(c)(1)(A), inserted "across the lifespan of such individuals" before semicolon at end.

Subsec. (b)(5). Pub. L. 116–60, §3(c)(1)(B), inserted "across the lifespan of such individuals" before "and the families" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (c)(1)(D). Pub. L. 116–60, §3(c)(2)(A), inserted ", the Department of Labor, the Department of Justice, the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Housing and Urban Development," after "Department of Education".

Subsec. (c)(2). Pub. L. 116–60, §3(c)(2)(B), substituted "at least three such members" for "at least two such members" in subpars. (A) to (C).

Subsec. (c)(3)(A). Pub. L. 116–60, §3(c)(2)(C), substituted "one additional 4-year term" for "one or more additional 4-year terms".

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 116–60, §3(c)(3), substituted "2024" for "2019".

2014—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 113–157, §5(1)(C), added par. (1). Former par. (1) redesignated (2).

Pub. L. 113–157, §5(1)(A), struck out "and annually update" after "develop" and substituted "interventions, including school and community-based interventions" for "intervention".

Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 113–157, §5(1)(B), (C), redesignated par. (1) as (2) and struck out former par. (2) which read as follows: "monitor Federal activities with respect to autism spectrum disorder;".

Subsec. (b)(3). Pub. L. 113–157, §5(1)(D), struck out "recommendations to the Director of NIH" after "including".

Subsec. (b)(4). Pub. L. 113–157, §5(1)(E), inserted before semicolon ", and the process by which public feedback can be better integrated into such decisions".

Subsec. (b)(5), (6). Pub. L. 113–157, §5(1)(F), added pars. (5) and (6) and struck out former pars. (5) and (6) which read as follows:

"(5) develop and annually update a strategic plan for the conduct of, and support for, autism spectrum disorder research, including proposed budgetary requirements; and

"(6) submit to the Congress such strategic plan and any updates to such plan."

Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 113–157, §5(2)(A)(i), substituted "Federal membership" for "In general" in heading and "The Committee shall be composed of the following Federal members—" for "The Committee shall be composed of—" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (c)(1)(C). Pub. L. 113–157, §5(2)(A)(ii), inserted ", such as the Administration for Community Living, Administration for Children and Families, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the Food and Drug Administration, and the Health Resources and Services Administration" before semicolon and inserted "and" at end.

Subsec. (c)(1)(D). Pub. L. 113–157, §5(2)(A)(iii), inserted "and the Department of Defense" after "Department of Education" and substituted period at end for "; and".

Subsec. (c)(1)(E). Pub. L. 113–157, §5(2)(A)(iv), struck out subpar. (E) which read as follows: "the additional members appointed under paragraph (2)."

Subsec. (c)(2). Pub. L. 113–157, §5(2)(B)(i), (ii), substituted "Non-Federal" for "Additional" in heading and "Not more than ½, but not fewer than 1/3, of the total membership of the Committee" for "Not fewer than 6 members of the Committee, or 1/3 of the total membership of the Committee, whichever is greater" in introductory provisions. Substitution in text was executed as the probable intent of Congress, notwithstanding directory language that struck out "1/3" instead of "1/3" as it appeared in the original.

Subsec. (c)(2)(A). Pub. L. 113–157, §5(2)(B)(iii), substituted "two such members shall be individuals" for "one such member shall be an individual".

Subsec. (c)(2)(B). Pub. L. 113–157, §5(2)(B)(iv), substituted "two such members shall be parents or legal guardians" for "one such member shall be a parent or legal guardian".

Subsec. (c)(2)(C). Pub. L. 113–157, §5(2)(B)(v), substituted "two such members shall be representatives" for "one such member shall be a representative".

Subsec. (c)(3). Pub. L. 113–157, §5(2)(C), added par. (3).

Subsec. (d)(2) to (4). Pub. L. 113–157, §5(3), redesignated pars. (3) and (4) as (2) and (3), respectively, and struck out former par. (2) which read as follows: "Members of the Committee appointed under subsection (c)(2) shall serve for a term of 4 years, and may be reappointed for one or more additional 4 year term. Any member appointed to fill a vacancy for an unexpired term shall be appointed for the remainder of such term. A member may serve after the expiration of the member's term until a successor has taken office."

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 113–157, §5(4), substituted "2019" for "2014".

2011—Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 112–32 substituted "2014" for "2011".

¹ So in original. Probably should be preceded by "recommendations".

² So in original. The comma probably should not appear.

§280i–3. Reports to Congress

(a) Progress report

(1) In general

Not later than 4 years after September 30, 2019, the Secretary, in coordination with the Secretary of Education and the Secretary of Defense, shall prepare and submit to the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee of the Senate and the Energy and Commerce Committee of the House of Representatives, and make publicly available, including through posting on the Internet Web site of the Department of Health and Human Services, a progress report on activities related to autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities.

(2) Contents

The report submitted under subsection (a) shall contain—

(A) a description of the progress made in implementing the provisions of the Autism CARES Act of 2019;

(B) a description of the amounts expended on the implementation of the amendments made by the Autism CARES Act of 2019;

(C) information on the incidence and prevalence of autism spectrum disorder, including available information on the prevalence of autism spectrum disorder among children and adults, and identification of any changes over time with respect to the incidence and prevalence of autism spectrum disorder;

(D) information on the average age of diagnosis for children with autism spectrum disorder and other disabilities, including how that age may have changed over the 4-year period beginning on September 30, 2019, and, as appropriate, how this age varies across population subgroups;

(E) information on the average age for intervention for individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities, including how that age may have changed over the 4-year period beginning on September 30, 2019, and, as appropriate, how this age varies across population subgroups;

(F) information on the average time between initial screening and then diagnosis or rule out for individuals with autism spectrum disorder or other developmental disabilities, as well as information on the average time between diagnosis and evidence-based intervention for individuals with autism spectrum disorder or other developmental disabilities and, as appropriate, on how such average time varies across population subgroups;

(G) information on the effectiveness and outcomes of interventions for individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, including by severity level as practicable, and other developmental disabilities and how the age of the individual or other factors, such as demographic characteristics, may affect such effectiveness;

(H) information on the effectiveness and outcomes of innovative and newly developed intervention strategies for individuals with autism spectrum disorder or other developmental disabilities;

(I) a description of the actions taken to implement and the progress made on implementation of the strategic plan developed by the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee under section 280i–2(b) of this title; and

(J) information on how States use home- and community-based services and other supports to ensure that individuals with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities are living, working, and participating in their community.

(b) Report on the health and well-being of individuals with autism spectrum disorder across their lifespan

(1) In general

Not later than 2 years after September 30, 2019, the Secretary shall prepare and submit, to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate and the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives, a report concerning the health and well-being of individuals with autism spectrum disorder.

(2) Contents

The report submitted under paragraph (1) shall contain—

(A) demographic factors associated with the health and well-being of individuals with autism spectrum disorder;

(B) an overview of policies and programs relevant to the health and well-being of individuals with autism spectrum disorder, including an identification of existing Federal laws, regulations, policies, research, and programs;

(C) recommendations on establishing best practices guidelines to ensure interdisciplinary coordination between all relevant service providers receiving Federal funding;

(D) comprehensive approaches to improving health outcomes and well-being for individuals with autism spectrum disorder, including—

(i) community-based behavioral supports and interventions;

(ii) nutrition, recreational, and social activities; and

(iii) personal safety services related to public safety agencies or the criminal justice system for such individuals; and

(E) recommendations that seek to improve health outcomes for such individuals, including across their lifespan, by addressing—

(i) screening and diagnosis of children and adults;

(ii) behavioral and other therapeutic approaches;

(iii) primary and preventative care;

(iv) communication challenges;

(v) aggression, self-injury, elopement, and other behavioral issues;

(vi) emergency room visits and acute care hospitalization;

(vii) treatment for co-occurring physical and mental health conditions;

(viii) premature mortality;

(ix) medical practitioner training; and

(x) caregiver mental health.

(July 1, 1944, ch. 373, title III, §399DD, as added Pub. L. 109–416, §3(a), Dec. 19, 2006, 120 Stat. 2828; amended Pub. L. 112–32, §2(4), Sept. 30, 2011, 125 Stat. 361; Pub. L. 113–157, §6, Aug. 8, 2014, 128 Stat. 1834; Pub. L. 116–60, §3(d), Sept. 30, 2019, 133 Stat. 1113.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Autism CARES Act of 2019, referred to in subsec. (a)(2)(A), (B), is Pub. L. 116–60, Sept. 30, 2019, 133 Stat. 1110, also known as the Autism Collaboration, Accountability, Research, Education, and Support Act of 2019, which amended this part and section 284g of this title and enacted provisions set out as a note under section 201 of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title of 2019 Amendment note set out under section 201 of this title and Tables.

Amendments

2019—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 116–60, §3(d)(1)(A), substituted "September 30, 2019" for "August 8, 2014".

Subsec. (a)(2)(A), (B). Pub. L. 116–60, §3(d)(1)(B)(i), substituted "Autism CARES Act of 2019" for "Autism CARES Act of 2014".

Subsec. (a)(2)(D), (E). Pub. L. 116–60, §3(d)(1)(B)(i), substituted "September 30, 2019" for "August 8, 2014".

Subsec. (a)(2)(G). Pub. L. 116–60, §3(d)(1)(B)(ii), substituted "age of the individual" for "age of the child".

Subsec. (a)(2)(J). Pub. L. 116–60, §3(d)(1)(B)(iii)–(v), added subsec. (J).

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 116–60, §3(d)(2)(A), substituted "the health and well-being of individuals with autism spectrum disorder across their lifespan" for "young adults and transitioning youth" in heading.

Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 116–60, §3(d)(2)(B), amended par. (1) generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "Not later than 2 years after August 8, 2014, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in coordination with the Secretary of Education and in collaboration with the Secretary of Transportation, the Secretary of Labor, the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, and the Attorney General, shall prepare and submit to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate and the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives, a report concerning young adults with autism spectrum disorder and the challenges related to the transition from existing school-based services to those services available during adulthood."

Subsec. (b)(2)(A). Pub. L. 116–60, §3(d)(2)(C)(i), amended subpar. (A) generally. Prior to amendment, subpar. (A) read as follows: "demographic characteristics of youth transitioning from school-based to community-based supports;".

Subsec. (b)(2)(B). Pub. L. 116–60, §3(d)(2)(C)(ii), substituted "the health and well-being of individuals with autism spectrum disorder, including an identification of existing Federal laws, regulations, policies, research, and programs;" for "young adults with autism spectrum disorder relating to post-secondary school transitional services, including an identification of existing Federal laws, regulations, policies, research, and programs;".

Subsec. (b)(2)(C) to (E). Pub. L. 116–60, §3(d)(2)(C)(iii), amended subpars. (C) to (E) generally. Prior to amendment, subpars. (C) to (E) related, respectively, to proposals on establishing certain best practices guidelines, comprehensive approaches to transitioning from existing school-based services to those services available during adulthood, and proposals that seek to improve outcomes for adults with autism spectrum disorder making the transition from a school-based support system to adulthood.

2014—Pub. L. 113–157, §6(1), substituted "Reports" for "Report" in section catchline.

Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 113–157, §6(2)–(4), designated existing provisions of entire section as subsec. (a), inserted heading, redesignated former subsecs. (a) and (b) as pars. (1) and (2), respectively, of subsec. (a), redesignated pars. (1) to (9) of former subsec. (b) as subpars. (A) to (I), respectively, of par. (2) of subsec. (a), and realigned margins.

Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 113–157, §6(5), substituted "4 years after August 8, 2014" for "2 years after September 30, 2011" and inserted "and the Secretary of Defense" after "the Secretary of Education" and ", and make publicly available, including through posting on the Internet Web site of the Department of Health and Human Services," after "Representatives".

Subsec. (a)(2)(A). Pub. L. 113–157, §6(6)(A), substituted "Autism CARES Act of 2014" for "Combating Autism Act of 2006".

Subsec. (a)(2)(B). Pub. L. 113–157, §6(6)(B), substituted "amendments made by the Autism CARES Act of 2014" for "particular provisions of Combating Autism Act of 2006".

Subsec. (a)(2)(C). Pub. L. 113–157, §6(6)(C), added subpar. (C) and struck out former subpar. (C) which read as follows: "information on the incidence of autism spectrum disorder and trend data of such incidence since December 19, 2006;".

Subsec. (a)(2)(D), (E). Pub. L. 113–157, §6(6)(D), (E), substituted "4-year period beginning on August 8, 2014, and, as appropriate, how this age varies across population subgroups" for "6-year period beginning on December 19, 2006".

Subsec. (a)(2)(F). Pub. L. 113–157, §6(6)(F), inserted "and, as appropriate, on how such average time varies across population subgroups" before semicolon at end.

Subsec. (a)(2)(G). Pub. L. 113–157, §6(6)(G), substituted "including by severity level as practicable," for "including by various subtypes," and "child or other factors, such as demographic characteristics, may" for "child may".

Subsec. (a)(2)(I). Pub. L. 113–157, §6(6)(H), added subpar. (I) and struck out former subpar. (I) which read as follows: "information on services and supports provided to individuals with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities who have reached the age of majority (as defined for purposes of section 1415(m) of title 20)."

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 113–157, §6(7), added subsec. (b). Former subsec. (b) redesignated par. (2) of subsec. (a).

2011—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 112–32, §2(4)(A), substituted "Not later than 2 years after September 30, 2011" for "Not later than 4 years after December 19, 2006".

Subsec. (b)(4), (5). Pub. L. 112–32, §2(4)(B), substituted "the 6-year period beginning on December 19, 2006" for "the 4-year period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act", which for purposes of codification was translated as "the 4-year period beginning on December 19, 2006".

§280i–4. Authorization of appropriations

(a) Developmental disabilities surveillance and research program

To carry out section 280i of this title, there is authorized to be appropriated $23,100,000 for each of fiscal years 2020 through 2024.

(b) Autism education, early detection, and intervention

To carry out section 280i–1 of this title, there is authorized to be appropriated $50,599,000 for each of fiscal years 2020 through 2024.

(c) Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee; certain other programs

To carry out sections 280i–2 and 284g of this title, there are authorized to be appropriated $296,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2020 through 2024.

(July 1, 1944, ch. 373, title III, §399EE, as added Pub. L. 109–416, §4(a), Dec. 19, 2006, 120 Stat. 2829; amended Pub. L. 112–32, §3, Sept. 30, 2011, 125 Stat. 361; Pub. L. 113–157, §7, Aug. 8, 2014, 128 Stat. 1836; Pub. L. 114–255, div. A, title II, §2042(f)(2), Dec. 13, 2016, 130 Stat. 1073; Pub. L. 116–60, §3(e), Sept. 30, 2019, 133 Stat. 1114.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2019—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 116–60, §3(e)(1), substituted "$23,100,000 for each of fiscal years 2020 through 2024" for "$22,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2015 through 2019".

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 116–60, §3(e)(2), substituted "$50,599,000 for each of fiscal years 2020 through 2024" for "$48,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2015 through 2019".

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 116–60, §3(e)(3), substituted "there are authorized to be appropriated $296,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2020 through 2024" for "there is authorized to be appropriated $190,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2015 through 2019".

2016—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 114–255 substituted "280i–2" for "280i–2, 283j,".

2014—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 113–157, §7(1), substituted "fiscal years 2015 through 2019" for "fiscal years 2012 through 2014".

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 113–157, §7(2), substituted "fiscal years 2015 through 2019" for "fiscal years 2011 through 2014".

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 113–157, §7(3), substituted "$190,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2015 through 2019" for "$161,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2011 through 2014".

2011—Pub. L. 112–32 amended section generally. Prior to amendment, section authorized appropriations for fiscal years 2007 to 2011.