Connecticut General Statutes Title 17A. Social and Human Services and Resources § 17a-215i. Office of Policy and Management lead agency for autism spectrum disorder services

(a) The Office of Policy and Management shall serve as the lead agency to coordinate, where possible, with the state agencies that have responsibility for providing services to persons diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.

(b) The Office of Policy and Management may examine and make recommendations regarding the delivery of appropriate and necessary services and programs for all residents of the state with autism spectrum disorder. Such services and programs may include, but need not be limited to: (1) Autism-specific early intervention services for any child under the age of three diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder; (2) education, recreation, habilitation, vocational and transition services for individuals age three to twenty-two, inclusive, diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder; (3) services for adults over the age of twenty-two diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder; (4) housing assistance for individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder; (5) services that address the intersection of autism services and the criminal justice system; (6) coverage of autism services under commercial insurance and by other payors; (7) workforce training specific to autism spectrum disorder; and (8) related autism spectrum disorder services deemed necessary by the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management.

(c) The Office of Policy and Management shall serve as the lead state agency for the purpose of the federal Combating Autism Act, P.L. 109-416, as amended from time to time, and for applying for and receiving funds and performing any related responsibilities concerning autism spectrum disorder that are authorized pursuant to any state or federal law.

(d) The Office of Policy and Management may make recommendations to the Governor and the joint standing committees of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to human services, public health and appropriations and the budgets of state agencies concerning legislation and funding required to provide necessary services to persons diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.

(e) The Office of Policy and Management shall research and locate possible funding streams for the continued development and implementation of services for persons diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.