The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine will convene an ad hoc committee of experts to conduct an independent analysis of the Department of Defense’s Comprehensive Autism Care Demonstration addressing nine areas as identified in Section 737, which include:
1. An assessment of all methods used to assist in the assessment of domains related to autism spectrum disorder broadly, including a determination as to whether the Secretary is applying such methods appropriately under the demonstration project;
2. An assessment of the methods used under the demonstration project to measure the effectiveness of applied behavior analysis in the treatment of autism spectrum disorder;
3. A review of any guidelines or industry standards of care adhered to in the provision of applied behavior analysis services under the demonstration program, including parental involvement in applied behavior analysis treatment, as well as a review of the effects of such adherence with respect to dose-response or health outcomes for an individual who has received such services;
4. A review of health outcomes, including mental health outcomes, for individuals who have received applied behavior analysis treatments over time;
5. An analysis of the increased utilization of the demonstration program from inception by beneficiaries under the TRICARE program, to improve understanding of such utilization;
6. Such other analyses to measure the cost effectiveness, program effectiveness, and clinical effectiveness of the demonstration program as may be determined appropriate by the National Academies;
7. An analysis on whether the incidence of autism is higher among the children of military families than in the general population;
8. An analysis on whether the diagnosis and treatment of autism is higher among the children of military families than in the general population;
9. The development of a list of recommendations related to the measurement, effectiveness, and increased understanding of the demonstration program and its effect on beneficiaries under the TRICARE program.
The committee will review all available data and research on Autism Spectrum Disorder, Applied Behavior Analysis services (understanding the limitations of the TRICARE demonstration authority in accordance with statute and regulation), and interview and/or receive input from qualified Autism Spectrum Disorder experts and Department of Defense officials, including data from DHA.
The committee will produce a report that synthesizes the information gathered regarding ABA services authorized under the ACD and addresses the eight areas of interest identified in Section 737.
The committee will ensure the report provides an independent analysis with an understanding of the coverage authority of the Military Health System and TRICARE.