GOVERNOR CRIST ANNOUNCES TASK FORCE ON AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS
March 7, 2008
Contact:
GOVERNOR'S PRESS OFFICE
(850) 488-5394
TALLAHASSEE – Governor Charlie Crist today announced the creation of the Task Force on Autism Spectrum Disorders by Executive Order 08-36. The task force will work to address the growing health crisis that autism represents through coordinating efforts and setting a proactive agenda. The task force, made up of leaders in autism advocacy and treatment, health care practitioners, and family members of persons with autism, will submit a final report to the Governor by March 20, 2009.
“Children are the future of our state and one of our most valuable resources,” Governor Crist said. “This task force will work to bring together experts in the field of autism spectrum disorders to create a collective resource that will empower parents, teachers and communities, and establish a support system. I am committed to giving our children the best possible means for success, and I understand the toll this disorder can take on a family. I feel strongly that this task force will work to improve the lives of all Floridians who are affected by autism.”
Autism spectrum disorders include autistic disorder, Asperger’s disorder and pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified. These disorders begin in early childhood and are lifelong neurological disabilities that affect a person’s ability to communicate, understand language and socially interact with others.
Among its responsibilities, the task force will coordinate and review the efforts of state agencies and organizations; encourage public-private partnerships and resource sharing in support of autism and developmental disabilities research and services; develop a comprehensive Florida autism Web site to help families sort through an extensive amount of information and quickly identify resources; and develop a strategy for early diagnosis and intervention by working with medical experts and organizations to determine how best to encourage screenings for autism as part of routine pediatric visits.
Governor’s Task Force on Autism Spectrum Disorders
· Jane E. Johnson, 48, of Tallahassee, director of the Agency for Persons with Disabilities, appointed as co-chair for a term beginning March 7, 2008, and ending June 30, 2009.
· Dan Marino, of Miami, former football player with Miami Dolphins, appointed as co-chair for a term beginning March 7, 2008 and ending June 30, 2009.
· Anna “Holly” Benson, 36, of Tallahassee, secretary of the Agency for Health Care Administration, appointed for a term beginning March 7, 2008, and ending June 30, 2009.
· Ana M. Viamonte Ros, 51, of Tallahassee, surgeon general for the Department of Health, appointed for a term beginning March 7, 2008, and ending June 30, 2009.
· Ven Sequenzia Jr., 47, of Melbourne, president of Autism Society of Florida Inc., appointed for a term beginning March 7, 2008, and ending June 30, 2009.
· Elizabeth Emken, 44, of Danville, California, vice president of government relations, Autism Speaks, appointed for a term beginning March 7, 2008, and ending June 30, 2009.
· Karen A. Berkman, 53, of Tampa, director of the Center for Autism and Related Disabilities, University of South Florida, appointed for a term beginning March 7, 2008, and ending June 30, 2009.
· Antonia “Toni” Crawford, 68, of Ponte Vedra Beach, chairperson of the Duval County Early Learning Coalition, appointed for a term beginning March 7, 2008, and ending June 30, 2009.
· Kelly Purvis, 33, of Tallahassee, statewide parent consultant with the Children’s Medical Services, Early Steps State Office, Department of Health, appointed for a term beginning March 7, 2008, and ending June 30, 2009.
· Patty Houghland, 60, of Pensacola, advocate for the Advocacy Center for Persons with Disabilities, appointed for a term beginning March 7, 2008, and ending June 30, 2009.
· Debra Dowds, 54, of Tallahassee, executive director of Florida Developmental Disabilities Council Inc., appointed for a term beginning March 7, 2008, and ending June 30, 2009.
· Susanne F. Homant, 62, of Tallahassee, president and chief executive officer of the Able Trust, appointed for a term beginning March 7, 2008, and ending June 30, 2009.
· Jeffrey P. Brosco, 44, of Coral Gables, associate professor of Clinical Pediatrics with University of Miami, appointed for a term beginning March 7, 2008, and ending June 30, 2009.
· Gary Kompothecras, 47, of Sarasota, president of Physicians Group LLC, appointed for a term beginning March 7, 2008, and ending June 30, 2009.
· Randal Perkins, 43, of Parkland, chief executive officer of AshBritt Inc., appointed for a term beginning March 7, 2008, and ending June 30, 2009.
· Robert J. Kanjian, 41, of West Palm Beach, county commissioner of Palm Beach County, appointed for a term beginning March 7, 2008, and ending June 30, 2009.
· Lance J. Block, 52, of Tallahassee, attorney with Searcy, Denney et. al., appointed for a term beginning March 7, 2008, and ending June 30, 2009.
· Bambi J. Lockman, 49, of Tallahassee, chief of the Bureau of Exceptional Education and Student Services with the Florida Department of Education, appointed for a term beginning March 7, 2008, and ending June 30, 2009.
· Richard D. La Belle, 46, of Dunedin, executive director of Family Network, appointed for a term beginning March 7, 2008, and ending June 30, 2009.
· Kimberly Hill, 36, of Tallahassee, finance manager with Florida Baptist Children’s Home, appointed for a term beginning March 7, 2008, and ending June 30, 2009.
· Loranne Ausley, of Tallahassee, member of the Florida House of Representatives, District Nine, appointed for a term beginning March 7, 2008, and ending June 30, 2009.
STATE OF FLORIDA
OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
EXECUTIVE ORDER NUMBER 08-36
(ESTABLISHING GOVERNOR’S TASK FORCE ON AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS)
WHEREAS, the health of its citizens is vital to the state of Florida; and
WHEREAS, autism spectrum disorders, which include autistic disorder, Asperger’s disorder, and pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (also collectively referred to herein as “autism”), are lifelong neurological disabilities that affect a person’s ability to communicate, understand language, and socially interact with others; and
WHEREAS, the incidence of autism spectrum disorders is rising at an alarming rate; and
WHEREAS, there is currently no known cause of, or cure for, autism; and
WHEREAS, autism spectrum disorders result in significant social, health, and economic costs to individuals, families, and the state, and, accordingly, constitute a serious, growing public health and welfare concern affecting the people of the state, and the state’s economy; and
WHEREAS, caring for a person with autism presents tremendous long-term financial cost concerns for both families and the state; and
WHEREAS, caregivers, educators, and health care professionals interacting with persons with autism spectrum disorders need easy access to information and resources to empower them to make informed decisions and improve the quality of life for persons with autism spectrum disorders and their families; and
WHEREAS, at the state level, numerous agencies are involved in addressing specific needs of individuals with autism, highlighting the need for interagency coordination to fix gaps in the system, avoid costly duplication of efforts, and to aid families in navigating the system to coordinate care; and
WHEREAS, research suggests that early diagnosis and early intervention, at the earliest possible age, provide a “window of opportunity” to maximize the success of therapeutic treatment and reduce costs to individuals, families, and the state; and
WHEREAS, it is in the interest of Florida’s families facing autism and the public as a whole that a Task Force on Autism Spectrum Disorders be created to establish a proactive and unified agenda for addressing autism in Florida, to review the coordination and efforts of state agencies and other organizations, to encourage public-private partnerships and resource sharing in support of autism and developmental disabilities research and services, to develop a comprehensive Florida autism Web site to help families sort through information and quickly identify resources, to develop a strategy for early diagnosis and intervention, and to make further recommendations to the Governor for the advancement of public policy relating to research, screening, education, and treatment of autism;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, CHARLIE CRIST, as Governor of Florida, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the laws and Constitution of the State of Florida, issue the following Executive Order, effective immediately:
Section 1.
The Governor’s Task Force on Autism Spectrum Disorders (the “Task Force”) is hereby created to advance public policy for the research, screening, education, and treatment of autism, to assess the availability of insurance coverage for appropriate treatment of autism, and to recommend a unified and coordinated agenda for addressing autism in Florida.
Section 2.
The responsibilities of the Task Force shall include, but shall not be limited to:
a. developing a strategy for early diagnosis and intervention by working with medical experts and organizations to determine how best to encourage screenings for autism as part of routine pediatric visits;
b. reviewing the coordination and efforts of state agencies and organizations relating to the provision of treatment to individuals with autism and resources available to their families and other caregivers;
c. developing a plan to implement a comprehensive Florida autism Web site to help families, educators, and health care providers sort through information and quickly identify resources;
d. identifying and recommending methods to remove barriers to the education and awareness of parents, teachers, medical professionals and other caregivers of young children to facilitate early diagnosis and intervention;
e. identifying and recommending methods to encourage public-private partnerships and resource sharing in support of autism and developmental disabilities research and services;
f. partnering with agencies and organizations serving the autism community to facilitate collaborative efforts consistent with the purposes of the Task Force;
g. developing strategy to gauge the prevalence of autism in Florida;
h. assessing short-term and long-term financial and societal impact of autism to families and the state and making recommendations for cost-saving measures;
i. developing long-term recommendations as to the education, integration, care, employment, and coverage of persons with autism;
j. developing strategy to increase community awareness of autism, with special attention to communities with evidenced economic need or health disparities;
k. developing recommendations to ensure the safety of persons with autism;
l. exploring options for health coverage of individualized autism treatment, including, but not limited to, speech therapy, occupational therapy, mental health, and alternative therapies; and
m. exploring methods of identifying and addressing quality of life concerns of individuals with autism and their families.
Section 3.
The Task Force shall, no later than March 20, 2009, provide a written report to the Governor outlining the accomplishments during the previous 12 months. The report shall address issues including, but not limited to, the following:
a. recommendations regarding changes to Florida statutes, administrative rules, policies, and/or procedures relating to the purposes and duties of the Task Force;
b. accomplishments in obtaining legislative or administrative change; and
c. progress related to collaborative efforts with other agencies and organizations.
The Task Force may also provide interim reports as deemed necessary by the Task Force or as requested by the Governor.
Section 4.
The Task Force shall consist of 18 to 22 members appointed by the Governor. All appointees shall serve at the pleasure of the Governor, and the Governor may fill any vacancy that occurs. Membership of the Task Force shall reflect a broad spectrum of interested parties, including, but not limited to:
a. Health care practitioners;
b. Advocates for persons with autism spectrum disorders;
c. Representatives from private and public organizations that address autism;
d. State and local government representatives; and
e. Family members of persons with autism spectrum disorders.
The Governor shall select the Chair from the Task Force’s membership. The Governor may suspend or remove any Member of the Task Force with or without cause.
The Task Force shall meet at least quarterly. A majority of the Task Force’s current members constitutes a quorum. A quorum must be met in order for the Task Force to vote on any proposed action or recommendation. The Task Force shall function according to the guidelines set forth in Robert’s Rules of Order, unless other procedural guidelines are adopted by the Task Force.
Section 5.
The Task Force is authorized to call upon any state agency, department, division, or office to supply such data, reports, or other information as it deems reasonably necessary to achieve its objectives. The Department of Health shall provide administrative support and technical assistance to the Task Force as necessary to accomplish the purposes of this Executive Order. All other agencies, departments, divisions, and offices of the state under the control of the Governor are authorized and directed, and all other agencies are requested, to cooperate with the Task Force and provide it with such information, personnel, and assistance as necessary to accomplish the purposes of the order. State agencies shall collaborate in the sharing of information necessary to establish and maintain the statewide autism Web site.
Section 6.
Members of the Task Force shall serve without compensation, but may receive per diem and travel expenses to the extent allowed by chapter 112, Florida Statutes, and to the extent that funds are available. Per diem and travel expenses shall be paid in accordance with chapter 112, Florida Statutes, and reasonable accommodations shall be made for members of the Task Force with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Members of the Task Force who are public officers and employees of state agencies shall be reimbursed for per diem and travel expenses by their respective agencies.
Section 7.
The meetings of the Task Force shall be noticed and open to the public, and shall be conducted in accordance with chapter 286, Florida Statutes. Florida’s public records law, chapter 119, Florida Statutes, shall apply.
Section 8.
The Task Force shall continue in existence until June 30, 2009, unless extended by amendment.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and have caused the Great Seal of the State of Florida to be affixed at Tallahassee, this 7th day of March, 2008.
GOVERNOR
ATTEST:
Secretary of State