On the 20th, Passage of the Act on Guaranteeing Rights and Support for Persons with Developmental Disabilities
Expansion of Early Intervention and Support for Infants and Toddlers Suspected of Developmental Disabilities
The amendment to the Act on the Rights and Support of Persons with Developmental Disabilities, which expands early detection and support for infants and toddlers suspected of developmental disabilities, passed the National Assembly plenary session on the 20th.
On the afternoon of the same day, the ruling and opposition parties approved the "Partial Amendment to the Act on the Rights and Support of Persons with Developmental Disabilities" with 182 votes in favor and 1 abstention out of 183 members present at the plenary session.
The amendment changes the entity responsible for supporting the cost of detailed diagnosis for developmental disabilities in infants and toddlers from the current "Minister of Health and Welfare" to "the State and local governments."
Additionally, a new clause was added stating that "the State and local governments may provide necessary support such as offering information on prevention and treatment of developmental disabilities, information on normal development and parenting methods for infants and toddlers, and family counseling, in cooperation and linkage with institutions or organizations, for infants and toddlers diagnosed with developmental disabilities or those likely to develop them, and their families."
Choi Ki-sang, a Democratic Party lawmaker who proposed the amendment, explained the reason for the proposal: "According to the current law, the Minister of Health and Welfare may support the cost of detailed diagnosis for infants and toddlers suspected of developmental disabilities as prescribed by the Ordinance of the Ministry of Health and Welfare. However, there are no specific regulations regarding early intervention after diagnosis of developmental disabilities, and the support for the cost of detailed diagnosis is provided differentially based on the income level of the caregiving parents within the annual budget, which has been criticized as insufficient for early detection and proper management of infants and toddlers suspected of developmental disabilities."
However, the regulation on support for the cost of detailed diagnosis for developmental disabilities remains an "optional provision" as in the current law.
The amendment will take effect on June 14, 2024.
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