(1) Release time during the school day to participate in therapy services for the treatment of autism spectrum disorder. Each school district shall adopt policies authorizing a parent to request and be granted permission for absence of a student to receive therapy services for treatment of autism spectrum disorder to implement Section 1003.21(2)(b)2., F.S. The school district’s rules shall include, but are not limited to, the following:
    (a) Provisions establishing the procedures and time frames for parents to request excused absences for scheduled appointments for treatment of autism spectrum disorder.
    (b) Provisions for establishing the school district’s requirements for verification of therapy provided by licensed health care practitioners or certified behavior analysts pursuant to Florida Statutes § 393.17, for the treatment of autism spectrum disorder.
    (2) For purposes of this rule, a school district may accept documentation of excused absences from certified behavior analysts pursuant to Florida Statutes § 393.17; speech-language pathologists licensed under Florida Statutes § 468.1185; occupational therapists licensed under Part III of Florida Statutes Chapter 468; psychologists licensed under chapter 490, F.S.; clinical social workers licensed under Florida Statutes Chapter 491; or other health care practitioners as defined in Florida Statutes § 456.001(4)
Rulemaking Authority 1001.02(1), 1003.21(2)(b) FS. Law Implemented 1002.20, 1003.21(2)(b), 1003.24 FS. History-New 4-30-18.