SECTION 1. Notwithstanding chapter 19B or 123B of the General Laws, or any other general or special law to the contrary, persons diagnosed with familial dysautonomia shall be eligible for the same services and supports from the department of developmental services as persons with intellectual disabilities, as defined in section 1 of said chapter 123B and applicable rules and regulations of the department.  For the purpose of providing services and supports pursuant to this act, a diagnosis with familial dysautonomia shall be conclusive evidence that the person so diagnosed qualifies as a person with an intellectual disability, as defined in said section 1 of said chapter 123B and applicable rules and regulations.

SECTION 2. The department of developmental services, in coordination with physicians at the Baystate Medical Center in Springfield and, to the extent practicable, the Laboratory for Familial Dysautonomia Research at Fordham University, Bronx, NY, shall promulgate rules and regulations necessary to carry out the provisions of this act. The commissioner of developmental services shall submit any proposed regulations to the joint committee on children, families and persons with disabilities and the house and senate committees on ways and means for review and comment at least 21 days before their adoption by the department.