§ 2500-j. Autism spectrum disorders; screening of children. 1. The
commissioner shall establish, for use by pediatric primary care
providers, best practice protocols for early screening of children for
autism spectrum disorders, including but not limited to developmental
screening for children three years of age and under. Such protocols
shall incorporate standards and guidelines established by the American
Academy of Pediatrics, shall be updated at least biennially, and shall
include, but not be limited to:

(a) the routine employment of objective autism spectrum disorder
screening tools at regular intervals during critical childhood
developmental stages;

(b) a provider/parental dialogue, utilizing the modified checklist for
autism in toddlers as a reference, intended to educate parents in regard
to autism spectrum disorders; and

(c) an appropriate referral mechanism for children who, based upon
results of the aforementioned screening process, require further
evaluation.

2. The modified checklist for autism in toddlers referred to in
subdivision one of this section shall be accessible by the public on the
department's internet website.

3. The commissioner shall promulgate any rules and regulations
necessary to implement the provisions of this section.