TO AMEND THE MEDICAID WAIVER FOR AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER TO CLARIFY THE NUMBER AND TYPE OF QUALIFIED PROFESSIONALS TO DIAGNOSE AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER.

HB 1586 clarifies the diagnosis requirements for autism spectrum disorder under Arkansas' Medicaid waiver. It changes the rule so that a child's diagnosis must be confirmed by two qualified professionals of *different types* (e.g., a psychologist and a pediatrician), not just any two professionals. This directly affects families seeking Medicaid coverage for autism diagnosis services. The bill specifies this requirement using the American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic criteria, ensuring consistent eligibility for waiver benefits.