LANSING A state legislative committee approved a package of bills that would require insurance companies to pay for autism diagnosis and treatment. The package passed the full Senate earlier this month. The bi-partisan package requires insurance companies to cover treatment for autism spectrum disorders (ASD) the same way it covers physical illnesses. The bills also create an incentive program and matching fund, allowing insurers to recoup some of the costs of providing treatment. The three bills comprising the package passed 7-0, with state Reps. Maureen Stapleton, D-Detroit, and Dian Slavens, D-Canton, passing on each vote. Slavens and Stapleton both tried unsuccessfully to amend the bills to include a provision for mental health parity, which would require insurers to cover all mental health disorders. The Michigan Chamber of Commerce, Small Business Association of Michigan and Economic Alliance of Mid-Michigan testified in opposition to the bills. The business-backed Chamber and union-backed Economic Alliance both argued that coverage should be part of the collective bargaining process; all three groups said the mandate would raise the cost of doing business and make the state a less attractive place to start a business. None of the three had data on how many of their members … Continue reading →

Newswise Ottawa, Ontario (March 27, 2012) The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health, today announced funding for the Chair in Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) Treatment and Care Research Program. The purpose of the Chair is to support a new investigator bringing innovative approaches to the treatment and/or care of autism spectrum disorders. The CIHR Institute of Neurosciences, Mental Health and Addiction in partnership with Autism Speaks Canada, the Canadian Autism Spectrum Disorders Alliance, Health Canada, NeuroDevNet and the Sinneave Family Foundation are offering this funding research opportunity. Our government is committed to continuously advancing research in the field of autism, said Minister Aglukkaq. We are pleased to partner with Canadian organizations and believe it will help stimulate research and, ultimately, improve the health of people with autism. The announcement took place at the Childrens Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) Autism Intervention Program Offices in Ottawa. The Minister was joined by Member of Parliament Mike Lake, and Parliamentary Secretary Dr. Colin Carrie, both of whom have children with forms of autism. Also joining the Minister was Scientific Director of the CHEO Research Institute Dr. Martin Osmond and Scientific Director of NeuroDevNet Dan Goldowitz. Significant gaps exist in applied research that focuses … Continue reading →

Stanislawa Gunther suffered a stroke on January 3 and was taken to Flinders Medical Centre where she wasn't seen by a doctor for almost seven hours. Her daughter Eva Gac says her mother has suffered permanent disability as a result. Picture: Tait Schmaal Source: AdelaideNow THE family of a woman who waited seven hours in emergency for treatment after suffering a stroke say she suffered permanent damage Stanislawa Gunther, 82, suffered a stroke on January 3 and now has limited movement on her left side. Her daughter, Eva Gac, believes Flinders Medical Centre was negligent in the treatment of her mother and has demanded a full investigation. Health Minister John Hill has defended the treatment process, while the hospital said the delay had no impact on her outcome. But Mrs Gac disagrees. She said a thrombolysis - treatment which can prevent permanent damage from stroke - could have been administered. "My mother was left waiting in a cubicle from around 5pm until midnight and was not checked by doctors," Mrs Gac said. "It is my understanding that stroke patients have priority in the emergency department, like heart attacks." She is speaking publicly following reports of ambulances vecoming bottlenecked at FMC … Continue reading →