AUTISM SPECTRUM-DIAGNOSIS House SponsorsRep. Natalie A. Manley and Katie Stuart Health Care Licenses Committee Hearing Mar 25 2026 10:00AM Stratton Building Room D-1 Springfield, IL - House Committee Amendment 1 3/25/2026HousePlaced on Calendar 2nd Reading - Short Debate 215 ILCS 5/356z.14225 ILCS 110/3from Ch. 111, par. 7903225 ILCS 110/8.4 new305 ILCS 5/5-30.11 Amends the Illinois Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Practice Act. Allows a speech-language pathologist to diagnose autism spectrum disorders if: (1) the child is under 3 years of age; and (2) the speech-language pathologist is trained in autism diagnostic evaluation methods as part of the curriculum of an approved program, through worksite training, or through continuing education. Provides that if a diagnosis requires a plan of care that includes elements that are outside the scope of practice of a speech-language pathologist, the speech-language pathologist must refer the patient to the appropriate medical personnel for further evaluation or management. Makes conforming changes in the Medical Assistance Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code, and provisions of the Illinois Insurance Code concerning autism spectrum disorders. Effective July 1, 2027.House Committee Amendment No. 1 Adds reference to:325 ILCS 3/10-125 newReplaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the provisions of the introduced bill with the following changes. Allows a speech-language pathologist to diagnose autism spectrum disorders if: (1) the child is under 3 years of age; (2) the speech-language pathologist is trained in autism diagnostic evaluation methods as part of the curriculum of an approved program, through worksite training, or through continuing education; and (3) the diagnosis occurs as part of the Illinois Early Intervention Program. Amends the Department of Early Childhood Act. Requires the Department of Early Childhood to adopt rules consistent with the purposes of the amendatory Act authorizing speech-language pathologists licensed by the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation to diagnose autism spectrum disorders under the Illinois Early Intervention Program. Provides that the Department of Early Childhood shall consult with relevant stakeholders, including developmental and behavioral pediatricians, when developing the rules. Effective January 1, 2028. 2/5/2026HouseFiled with the Clerk by Rep. Natalie A. Manley 2/10/2026HouseFirst Reading 2/10/2026HouseReferred to Rules Committee 3/4/2026HouseAssigned to Health Care Licenses Committee 3/4/2026HouseHouse Committee Amendment No. 1 Filed with Clerk by Rep. Natalie A. Manley 3/4/2026HouseHouse Committee Amendment No. 1 Referred to Rules Committee 3/18/2026HouseHouse Committee Amendment No. 1 Rules Refers to Health Care Licenses Committee 3/20/2026HouseAdded Co-Sponsor Rep. Katie Stuart 3/24/2026HouseHouse Committee Amendment No. 2 Filed with Clerk by Rep. Natalie A. Manley 3/24/2026HouseHouse Committee Amendment No. 2 Referred to Rules Committee 3/25/2026HouseHouse Committee Amendment No. 1 Adopted in Health Care Licenses Committee; by Voice Vote 3/25/2026HouseDo Pass as Amended / Short Debate Health Care Licenses Committee; 014-000-000 3/25/2026HouseHouse Committee Amendment No. 2 Tabled 3/25/2026HousePlaced on Calendar 2nd Reading - Short Debate