State-Specific Requirements and Restrictions

Last Updated: April 22, 2026

PHYSICIAN AUTHORIZATION REQUIRED: The following states require physician authorization before laboratory testing can be performed: California (CA), Connecticut (CT), New Jersey (NJ), and Rhode Island (RI). If you reside in one of these states, please review the requirements below.

Currently we don't serve New York (NY) and Washington (WA) states.

Overview

Laboratory testing is regulated at both the federal and state levels. While Autism Diagnostics Lab complies with all federal regulations including CLIA (Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments), individual states have additional requirements that may affect your ability to order testing or how results are delivered.

This page outlines state-specific requirements that may apply to the MDM™ Gut & Brain Health test. We are committed to full compliance with all applicable state laws and regulations.

States Requiring Physician Authorization

The following states require that laboratory testing be ordered or authorized by a licensed physician or other qualified healthcare provider:

State Requirement Who Can Authorize
California (CA) Physician authorization required Licensed physician (MD or DO), or other authorized healthcare provider
Connecticut (CT) Physician authorization required Licensed physician (MD or DO)
New Jersey (NJ) Physician authorization required Licensed physician (MD or DO), or other authorized healthcare provider
Rhode Island (RI) Physician authorization required Licensed physician (MD or DO), or other authorized healthcare provider

If you reside in one of these states, you cannot directly order the MDM™ test without physician involvement. You must work with your healthcare provider to obtain the necessary authorization.

Procedure for Obtaining Physician Authorization

If you live in CA, CT, NJ, or RI, follow these steps to obtain required physician authorization:

  1. Consult Your Healthcare Provider: Schedule an appointment with your child's physician, developmental pediatrician, or other qualified healthcare provider to discuss the MDM™ test.
  2. Provide Information About the Test: Share information about the MDM™ Gut & Brain Health test with your provider, including:
    • Test description and purpose
    • What the test measures (microbial-derived metabolites)
    • Test performance characteristics (sensitivity >90%, specificity 100%)
    • Medical Disclaimer and Informed Consent documents
    • Link to our website: autismdiagnosticslab.com
  3. Request Physician Authorization: If your healthcare provider determines that the test is appropriate for your child's situation, they can provide authorization by:
    • Completing our Physician Authorization Form (available upon request via email)
    • Providing a written order or prescription for the MDM™ test on their letterhead
    • Sending authorization via fax or secure email to our laboratory
  4. Submit Authorization with Your Order: When ordering the test, upload or submit the physician authorization. Orders from residents of CA, CT, NJ, or RI without physician authorization cannot be processed.
  5. Results Delivery: Test results will be sent to both you (the parent or caregiver) and your authorizing physician, in accordance with state requirements.

Physician Approval Form Requirements

The physician authorization form must include the following information:

Required Information on Physician Authorization:

  • Physician's full name, credentials (MD, DO, etc.), and license number
  • Physician's practice name, address, phone, and fax
  • Physician's signature and date of authorization
  • Patient's full name and date of birth
  • Specific test requested: MDM™ Gut & Brain Health Test
  • Clinical indication or reason for testing
  • Instructions for where to send results (physician's office or patient, or both)

To request a Physician Authorization Form, please contact us:

  • Email info@autismdiagnosticslab.com with subject "Physician Authorization Form Request"
  • Include the patient's name, state of residence, and your physician's contact information
  • We will send the form within 1 business day via email
  • Alternatively, call our office (contact information available on our Contact Us page)

State Laboratory Licenses

Autism Diagnostics Lab maintains all required state laboratory licenses and certifications to perform testing for residents of all 50 states. Our laboratories hold:

Federal Certification:

  • CLIA (Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments) certification for high-complexity testing

State Licenses:

  • Arizona: State of Arizona Department of Health Services laboratory license
  • Connecticut: State of Connecticut Department of Public Health clinical laboratory license
  • New Jersey: New Jersey State Department of Health Clinical Laboratory Permit (CLEP)
  • California: California Department of Public Health clinical laboratory license
  • Additional states as required: We maintain licenses in all states that require out-of-state laboratories to be licensed

Copies of our laboratory licenses and certifications are available upon request.

Results Reporting Requirements by State

Some states have specific requirements for how laboratory results must be reported:

Physician Copy Requirements:

  • In states requiring physician authorization (CA, CT, NJ, RI), a copy of results will be sent to the authorizing physician
  • Some states require that results be sent to a physician even when not required for ordering
  • We will comply with all state requirements for results distribution

Report Format and Content:

  • Our reports meet CLIA requirements for laboratory reporting
  • Reports include all required elements: patient identification, test performed, results, reference ranges, laboratory certification information
  • State-specific reporting requirements are incorporated into reports for residents of those states

Restrictions on Testing for Certain Populations

Some states impose restrictions on testing for specific populations:

Testing of Minors:

  • All states require parental consent for testing of minors (see our Age Restriction and Parental Consent Policy)
  • Some states have specific requirements for testing children under certain ages
  • We comply with all state-specific requirements for pediatric testing

Vulnerable Populations:

  • Enhanced protections may apply to testing of individuals with cognitive disabilities
  • Guardian or conservator authorization may be required in some states
  • We will request appropriate authorization when testing individuals under legal guardianship

Insurance and Reimbursement Variations by State

Insurance coverage for laboratory testing varies significantly by state:

General Information:

  • The MDM™ test is currently offered on a self-pay basis ($349 per test)
  • We do not bill insurance directly at this time
  • Some patients may be eligible for reimbursement through their insurance, HSA, or FSA
  • Insurance coverage varies widely by state, plan, and individual policy

Reimbursement Assistance:

  • We provide detailed invoices that can be submitted to insurance for possible reimbursement
  • Whether insurance will reimburse depends on your state, plan, and policy
  • We cannot guarantee insurance reimbursement
  • Contact your insurance provider to determine if metabolomic testing is a covered benefit

State-Specific Privacy Laws

In addition to HIPAA, some states have enacted their own health privacy laws that provide additional protections:

California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA):

  • California residents have additional privacy rights under CCPA
  • These rights include the right to know what personal information is collected, the right to deletion, and the right to opt out of sale of information
  • Autism Diagnostics Lab does not sell personal information
  • See our Privacy Policy for complete information about CCPA rights

Other State Privacy Laws:

  • Several states have enacted comprehensive privacy laws similar to CCPA
  • We comply with all applicable state privacy regulations
  • Health information receives heightened protection under both HIPAA and state laws

Ordering Process for Residents of States Requiring Physician Authorization

If you live in California, Connecticut, New Jersey, or Rhode Island, follow this ordering process:

Step-by-Step Process:

  1. Discuss with your physician: Talk to your healthcare provider about the MDM™ test
  2. Obtain authorization: Ask your physician to complete a Physician Authorization Form or provide a written order
  3. Visit our website: Go to autismdiagnosticslab.com to order the test
  4. Complete the order form: Fill out patient information and consent forms
  5. Upload physician authorization: Attach the signed physician authorization or email it to info@autismdiagnosticslab.com
  6. Complete payment: Pay for the test ($349)
  7. Receive your kit: Test kit will be shipped to your address (free shipping in U.S.)
  8. Collect sample: Follow instructions to collect sample
  9. Return sample: Ship sample back to the laboratory using prepaid shipping materials
  10. Receive results: Results will be sent to you and your physician within 7 to 10 business days after sample receipt

Out-of-State Testing

If you temporarily reside in a different state than your permanent residence, or if you are ordering testing while traveling:

  • State requirements are generally based on your current state of residence at the time of testing
  • If you are in a state requiring physician authorization, you will need to obtain authorization from a physician licensed in that state
  • If you have questions about which state's requirements apply to your situation, please contact us before ordering

Changes to State Requirements

State laws and regulations governing laboratory testing are subject to change. Autism Diagnostics Lab actively monitors regulatory changes in all states and updates our policies and procedures accordingly.

This page will be updated as state requirements change. The "Last Updated" date at the top of this page indicates when this information was last reviewed and updated.

Contact Information for State-Specific Questions

If you have questions about whether state-specific requirements apply to your situation, or if you need assistance navigating state regulations, please contact us:

State Compliance Questions

Email: info@autismdiagnosticslab.com
Phone: Available on our Contact Us page
Website: autismdiagnosticslab.com/contact

Physician Authorization Forms
Request by email: info@autismdiagnosticslab.com
Include patient information and your physician's contact details. We will send the form within 1 business day.

When contacting us about state-specific requirements, please include:

  • Your state of residence
  • Specific question or concern about state requirements
  • Whether you have already discussed testing with a healthcare provider
  • Any relevant documentation or questions from your physician

ACKNOWLEDGMENT: By ordering the MDM™ test, you acknowledge that:

  • You have reviewed the state-specific requirements applicable to your state of residence
  • If you reside in CA, CT, NJ, or RI, you have obtained required physician authorization
  • You understand that orders may be rejected if state requirements are not met
  • You will provide accurate information about your state of residence
  • You understand that state requirements may affect how and when results are delivered