Watervliet State Representative Pauline Wendzel’s first piece of legislation in the 101st Michigan Legislature is one designed to reduce red tape in the world of autism.
Wendzel announced today that she’s working with the LOGAN Center in Benton Harbor on legislation to eliminate an unnecessary regulation that requires all individuals participating in Michigan’s Medicaid Autism Behavioral Health Treatment to receive an annual comprehensive diagnostic evaluation every twelve months of service.
The State Rep says, “Right now, our state requires this unnecessary evaluation that ties up the very limited time of caregivers,” and adds, “As we mandate this redundant procedure, we’re unfortunately preventing children who need their initial diagnosis from receiving it.”
Wendzel continues, “This common-sense legislation will save caregivers countless hours and save the state millions of dollars. I’m proud to partner with the LOGAN Center to help make their jobs easier so that more people receive the proper care and diagnosis they need.”
Kristin Wier, Clinical Director of the LOGAN Autism Learning Center, says, “We’re incredibly excited to be working with Rep. Wendzel on this legislation,” and adds, “Working together, we can continue to help people in our community achieve their desired quality of life while ensuring more children receive the initial diagnosis they need.”
Before the pandemic, representatives of the LOGAN Center were in Lansing advocating for legislation to remove this unnecessary burden on ADS caregivers.
Rep. Wendzel concludes, “I truly believe that a representative’s job is to be the voice of their constituents, and oftentimes the best ideas for legislation come directly from our community members. I’m excited to partner with the LOGAN Center, and I look forward to re-focusing on this important topic and moving this legislation swiftly.”
House Bill 4059 is Rep. Wendzel’s first bill of the 101st Legislature.
