Posted on: Saturday, October 13, 2001

Felix panel wants to see autism files

Advertiser Staff

The attorney representing the Felix investigative committee at the Legislature filed a motion yesterday asking the court to order a company serving autistic children to turn over its records.

The investigative committee wants to review the student records after hearing testimony about alleged overbilling and double billing by private providers. Committee co-chairwoman Colleen Hanabusa said legislators want to investigate allegations that Loveland Academy has produced reports of student progress by copying the same information "over and over again."

"The focus of the committee has always been whether the students are getting the services for which money has been paid," said Hanabusa, D-21st (Kalaeloa, Makaha).

The subpoena for Loveland's records was issued by the state auditor's office, which would ensure that student information remained confidential. However, Hanabusa said access is being refused for privacy reasons. Loveland serves about 20 children with autism, she said.

The motion filed in court yesterday seeks to compel Loveland to give the auditor's office access to the records.