APPROVAL CRITERIA

(a) The council shall review each request for program funding on a competitive basis and shall consider: (1) the extent to which the program would meet identified needs; (2) the cost of initiating the program, if applicable; (3) whether other funding sources are available; (4) the proposed cost of the services to the client or the client's family; and (5) the assurance of quality services. (b) The council may not approve a funding request for a new program unless the service provider agrees to: (1) operate and maintain the program within the guidelines established by the council; (2) develop for each person with autism or other pervasive developmental disorders an individualized developmental plan that: (A) includes family participation and periodic review and reevaluation; and (B) is based on a comprehensive developmental evaluation conducted by an interdisciplinary team; (3) provide services to meet the unique needs of each person with autism or other pervasive developmental disorders as indicated by the person's individualized developmental plan; and (4) develop a method in accordance with rules adopted by the council and approved by the council to respond to individual complaints relating to services provided by the program. (c) The council shall develop with the Health and Human Services Commission and any agency designated by the commission procedures for allocating available funds to programs approved under this section. (d) This chapter does not affect the existing authority of a state agency to provide services to a person with autism or other pervasive developmental disorders if the person meets the eligibility criteria established by this chapter. The council may modify the program standards if the council considers the modifications necessary for a particular program.