Practitioner Issues in Behavior Analysis SIG blog: licensure

Showing posts with label licensure. Show all posts

Saturday, February 13, 2010

LEG. NEWS - Missouri : SS/SB 618 & HCS HB 1311 & 1341 poised for action the week of February 15, 2010; licensing added to the House bill

**Update February 16, 2010 - The Missouri House amended, perfected and passed HCS 1311 & 1341. The House Journal for February 16 notes a number of amendments, some of which affect the portions of the bill referring to the practice of behavior analysis; the bill as perfected and passed will be posted when available from the legislative website**

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The Missouri General Assembly is currently entertaining two bills previously reported on in this blog that would affect the practice and reimbursement of the practice of behavior analysis in Missouri, and the legislative website indicates that action on these could be happening as early as the beginning of this coming week,

Senate Substitute (SS)/SB.618 : Requires health carriers to provide coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorders under certain conditions.
Bill History

SS/SB. 618 is scheduled for a third reading in the Missouri Senate on February 15, 2010. It is stated on the Senate main page that the Senate will convene at 4:00PM.

SS/SB. 618 provides coverage under the age of 21 for applied behavior analysis, with such payments or reimbursements shall be made to either an "autism provider", the person who is supervising an autism service provider, who is certified as a board certified behavior analyst by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board; or the entity or group for whom such supervising person works or is associated.

SS/SB. 618 defines applied behavior analysis, and includes applied behavior analysis in the coverage category of "habilitative or rehabilitative care". It specifies an "Autism service provider" as 'any person, entity, or group that provides diagnostic or treatment services for autism spectrum disorders who is licensed or certified by the state of Missouri; any person who is certified as a board certified behavior analyst by the behavior analyst certification board; or any person, if not licensed or certified, who is supervised by a person who is certified as a board certified behavioral analyst by the Behavioral Analyst Certification Board, whether such board certified behavioral analyst supervises as an individual or as an employee of or in association with an entity or group'..."

See full text of SS/SB, 618 for all definitions and conditions.

and

House Committee Substitute (HCS) HB 1311 & 1341 -- Insurance Coverage for Pervasive Developmental Disorders

The Missouri House of Representatives reports that HCS HB 1311 & 1341 was reported favorably out of the Rules Committee on February 8, 2010 with a "do pass" recommendation and is shown on the House Bill Calendar for February 15, 2010 for "Perfection".

HOUSE BILLS FOR PERFECTION
House Committee Substitute (HCS) for HB 1311 & 1341 Handler: Scharnhorst (093)
Title:PERVASIVE DEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS

A significant inclusion in HCS HB 1311 & 1341 is creation of a "Behavior Analyst Advisory Board", the inclusion of a licensure provision for Licensed Behavior Analysts, Licensed Assistant Behavior Analyst, and definition of a "PDD Service Provider" as a Licensed Behavior Analyst, and "Line Therapist" as a person supervised by a Licensed Behavior Analyst.

HCS HB 1311 & 1341 defines applied behavior analysis and the practice of applied behavior analysis.
It would create a "Behavior Analyst Advisory Board...under the state committee of psychologists within the division of professional registration. Appointments to this Advisory Board would be made by the Governor upon the recommendations of the director of the division, upon the advice and consent of the senate.

The division, prior to submitting nominations, shall solicit nominees from professional associations and licensed behavior analysts or licensed assistant behavior analysts in the state.

The Behavior Analyst Advisory Board shall consist of the following seven members:

three licensed behavior analysts,
one licensed behavior analyst holding a doctoral degree,
one licensed assistant behavior analyst,
one professional member of the committee, and
one public member."

The Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) is stated explicitly as a certifying entity, although there is provision for an "equivalent nationally accredited nongovernmental agency approved by the committee [of psychologists] which certifies individuals who have completed academic, examination, training, and supervision requirements in applied behavior analysis;"

Authority, duties, term of service, scope of practice and other specifics are found within the full text of HCS HB 1311 & 1341.

HB 1311 & 1341 also addresses insurance coverage for diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorders; defining applied behavior analysis, including it under the category of "habilitative or rehabilitative care", defines a "PDD service provider" as a licensed behavior analyst/LBA and would authorize payment for applied behavior analysis services to a "PDD service provider".
Coverage would extend through age 21 with differential coverage for children through age 9 and a lower amount through 21.

See summary and full text of HCS HB 1311 &1341 for specifics of coverage, implementation and exclusions.

FULL SUMMARY with description of testimony and statements by opponents and proponents.

Among those testifying for the bill were Lorri Unumb, Autism Speaks; Representative Dennis O'Brien, Pennsylvania House of Representatives; Colin Peeler, Ph.D., BCBA, Ronald Ekstrand, Jr.,John M. Guercio, Ph.D., BCBA, CBIST, Missouri Association for Behavior Analysis.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Missouri General Assembly

Missouri Association for Behavior Analysis/MOABA

Autism Votes - Missouri

Show Me Autism Coverage Now

Possible Insurance Coverage for Autism Treatment
KOMO
Published: Friday, February 12, 2010 at 4:29 PM
Last Updated: Friday, February 12, 2010 at 8:05 PM

Previous Blog Posts
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
LEG. NEWS: Missouri autism insurance bills progress in General Assembly with amendments

Friday, January 29, 2010
LEG. NEWS: Missouri SB 618 autism insurance bill goes to Senate floor on February 1, 2010 for "Perfection"

Wednesday, January 27, 2010
LEG NEWS: Missouri SB 618 unanimously passed in Senate Committee, HB 1311 under scrutiny in House Committee

Tuesday, January 19, 2010
LEG NEWS: Missouri Autism Insurance bills heard in committee on Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Friday, December 4, 2009
STATES: Missouri Prefiles Two Autism Insurance Reform Bills

© 2010 Regina G. Claypool-Frey
Disclaimer: This blog publishes news and announcements only as a service to interested persons, the posts are the responsibility of the individual author, and unless otherwise noted do not constitute nor claim to represent the official position of ABA International, its officers or associated entities. This blog makes no representation as to the accuracy of the report and readers are strongly encouraged to consult and reference the primary sources noted.

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

LEG. NEWS - Kentucky HB 159 moves forward with substitute bill to create separate licensing board for behavior analysts

This blog previously reported on Kentucky HB 159, which specified a licensing condition for behavior analysts practicing in the state, depending on the conditions specified in the bill, as Licensed Behavior Analyst or Licensed Assistant Behavior Analyst; however at the time of that post, the proposal was that regulation and licensure would be under the purview of Kentucky Board of Examiners of Psychology.

HB 159 also contains a section defining health insurance coverage for autism with differentials from ages 1-6 years and 7-21 years with applied behavior analysis and practice defined, included under the category of "habilitative and rehabilitative care". The competencies of the Behavior Analyst Certification Board are specified in HB 159 under the definitions and in meeting the licensure requirements.

Today, the Kentucky Legislative website reports that a substitute bill for HB 159 (HCS) passed favorably from the House Standing Committee on Local Government now specifies establishment of a separate licensing board - the "Kentucky Applied Behavior Analysis Licensing Board".
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HB 159 - AMENDMENTS

     HCS/HM - Delete the provisions relating to regulation and licensure of applied behavior analysis for behavior disorders by the Board of Examiners of Psychology and in lieu thereof establish a new KRS Chapter 319B to create the Kentucky Applied Behavior Analysis Licensing Board including the definitions, membership, terms, per diem and authority of the board, the requirements for licensure, and the exemptions from licensure; retain the provisions containing the health mandate, but clarify that the large group mandate for individuals is for individuals through age six by providing that individuals between the ages of one and their seventh birthday shall receive the mandated benefits.

"(...)SECTION 20.   A NEW SECTION OF KRS CHAPTER 319B IS CREATED TO READ AS FOLLOWS:
(1)    (a)    There is hereby created the Kentucky Applied Behavior Analysis Licensing Board. The board shall consist of seven (7) members appointed by the Governor.

(b)    The initial board members shall be appointed as follows:
1.    Four (4) members shall be credentialed behavior analysts nominated by a credentialed behavior analyst practicing in the state;
2.    One (1) member shall be a psychologist licensed in the state, the majority of whose practice is related to the treatment of behavior disorders, including but not limited to autism spectrum disorders. The psychologist member shall be nominated by a credentialed behavior analyst practicing in the state; and
3.    Two (2) members shall be the parent of a child diagnosed with and treated for a behavior disorder, including but not limited to an autism spectrum disorder, selected from the state at large.

(c)    Subsequent board members shall be appointed by the Governor as follows:
1.    Four (4) members shall be licensed behavior analysts nominated by a licensed behavior analyst practicing in the state;
2.    One (1) member shall be a psychologist licensed in the state, the majority of whose practice is related to the treatment of behavior disorders, including but not limited to autism spectrum disorders. The psychologist member shall be nominated by a licensed behavior analyst practicing in the state; and
3.    Two (2) members shall be the parent of a child diagnosed with and treated for a behavior` disorder, including but not limited to an autism spectrum disorder, selected from the state at large.
(...)"
Other specifications and conditions stated in full text of the amendment
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Should HB 159 proceed in the legislative season into enacted statute, Kentucky would join Arizona, Pennsylvania [behavior specialists], Nevada and Oklahoma in specifying a licensure condition for the practice of applied behavior analysis.

FOR FURTHER READING
Record of HB 159 at Kentucky Legislature

Autism Votes Kentucky

Model licensing Act ABA International

BACB Model Licensing Act
Association of Professional Behavior Analysts members only

Past blog posts

Thursday, January 14, 2010
LEG. NEWS: Kentucky - Bill Introduced to Establish Licensure of Behavior Analysts

Monday, January 11, 2010
ABAI NEWSFLASH: ABA International Announces Model Licensing Act for Behavior Analysts

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Website: Practitioner Issues in Behavior Analysis SIG

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Views and news expressed in this blog or by the PIBA SIG are those of the SIG or SIG members and do not represent official policy of ABA International or other official body. For official policy of the Association of Behavior Analysis International, the reader is directed to their website, http://www.abainternational.org

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

LEG NEWS: Massachusetts Behavior Analyst Licensure bills H. 181 & S.47

Massachusetts has two bills in progress in the legislature which would establish and define licensure of behavior analysts in that state.

The bills,

House No. 181 (Scibak) History and Text of the bill [pdf]
Senate No. 47 (Joyce) History and Text of the bill [pdf]

were introduced in January of 2009, and describe the composition of a new and independent Licensing Board, competencies and definitions of professional practice, titles,supervision, disciplinary standards, and inclusion of the profession of behavior analysis as a "Related Service Provider" relative to the provision of Special Education within the Commonwealth.

The bills were last listed in the legislative website's history as being reviewed by the Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure, and a public hearing was held September 23, 2009.

An organization that is a primary sponsor, and offered testimony on behalf of H.181/S. 47 is the Arc of Massachusetts, which is also tracking these bills' legislative progress on their website.

References and resources
General Court of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Massachusetts
State Update: State support for the practice of Applied Behavior Analysis
p. 6, PRACTICE BOARD: GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE SPRING 2009

The Arc of Massachusetts Platform: 2009 Legislative Session (scroll to middle of the page)

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Website: Practitioner Issues in Behavior Analysis SIG
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ANNOUNCE: Informational website now online related to Behavior Analyst licensure in the state of Tennessee

There is a new website online,
"Behavior Analyst Portal for Licensure in Tennessee",
with a stated aim.

"to house information related to licensure for Behavior Analysts (BAs) in the State of Tennessee...".

Current offerings, with some pages in progress, are background information on the homepage, an FAQ page, consumer survey, links, news and events page, "what can you do", and contact page.

It is stated,

"There will be updates and time lines posted in the near future."

Please consult the site directly for its specific content and updates as they become available, and contact those handling the site and this initiative for further information and questions.

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Website: Practitioner Issues in Behavior Analysis SIG
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Thursday, January 14, 2010

LEG. NEWS: Kentucky - Bill Introduced to Establish Licensure of Behavior Analysts

The Kentucky Legislature is currently entertaining the bill HB 159 (Greer and co-sponsors)

(Prefiled by the sponsor(s).)
Jan 5, 2010- introduced in House; to House Standing Committee Banking & Insurance Committee.
Jan 11, 2010: Sent to the House Standing Committee on Local Government

"AN ACT relating to behavioral disorders.
Create new sections of KRS Chapter 319 to define terms relating to the practice of applied behavior analysis and licensure by the Kentucky Board of Examiners of Psychology; authorize the Board of Examiners of Psychology to promulgate administrative regulations relating to licensure of behavior analysts and assistant behavior analysts and to appoint two (2) behavior analysts to advise the board on matters relating to regulation and licensure of behavior analysts; require licensure to practice applied behavior analysis in the state, to establish licensure requirements, and to prohibit the practice of applied behavior analysis in the state without a license;..." [continued]

FULL TEXT of HB 159

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Reference and related posts

Kentucky Legislature

Kentucky Daily Legislative Calender
Calendar phone line (800) 633-9650

**Added 1/20/10**
Opinion & Declaratory ruling
Kentucky Board of Examiners of Psychology,
"Regarding 'Behavioral Analysts'"
by: Robert J. Illback, Psy.D., Chair
cc: Board members
adopted: August 5, 2002
revised: January 5, 2004
Accessed 1/20/2010

Saturday, May 2, 2009
2009 Bills Proposing Licensure of Behavior Analysts

Monday, May 4, 2009
NEWS: Oklahoma Governor signs HB 2027--creates licensure for BACB Certificants

Monday, May 4, 2009
Articles on Licensure from the journal, Behavior Analysis in Practice

Wednesday, May 27, 2009
NEWS: Nevada passes autism bill May 23, 2009

Wednesday, May 27, 2009
ABAI NEWSFLASH: New Practice Resources at ABA International!

Thursday, July 2, 2009
FYI: AZ "HB 2207: Behavior Analysts" Passes in the Legislature

Sunday, December 20, 2009
December 2009 notes on recent activities of the ABAI Practice Board

Monday, January 11, 2010
ABAI NEWSFLASH: ABA International Announces Model Licensing Act for Behavior Analysts

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Website: Practitioner Issues in Behavior Analysis SIG

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Monday, January 11, 2010

ABAI NEWSFLASH: ABA International Announces Model Licensing Act for Behavior Analysts

This morning the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) announced that posted online at the ABAI website is a new Model Licensing Act for Behavior Analysts. This is the product of a recent large-scale International Strategic Development Survey of stakeholder members in which such a licensure initiative was supported by a strong majority of respondents .

A prefacing article by current ABAI President Raymond G. Miltenberger, Ph.D., BCBA, describes the background of the purpose, development and content of the Model Licensing Act under the points,

Why Licensing?
Risks Associated with Licensure
How Does Licensure Differ from Certification?
What is ABAI’s Model Licensing Act?
What are the Points of Similarity between the BACB® and ABAI Model Acts?
How do the BACB® and ABAI Model Licensing Acts Differ?
Rational for Grandfathering Clause
What are ABAI’s Criteria for Education Requirements?
How Will ABAI’s Accreditation Program Meet the Needs of Licensed Behavior Analysts?
What Will ABAI Do for Those Outside of the USA?
Where Can You Receive Guidance and Support?

This article then links to the Act itself,
ABAI Model Licensing Act for Behavior Analysts

In the article ABAI members are invited to review the Model Licensing Act, and under, "Where Can You Receive Guidance and Support?", information is given on how to give input, if wished, on the Model Licensing Act and to discuss chapter training and presentations support by the ABAI Practice Board.

References or for further reading

The ABAI Model Licensing Act, Educational Standards, and the Protection of the Profession
Raymond G. Miltenberger, Ph.D., BCBA; ABAI President

ABAI Model Licensing Act for Behavior Analysts

Practice (Practice Board and Other Committees)

Practice Resources

ABA International Strategic Plan

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Website: Practitioner Issues in Behavior Analysis SIG
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Saturday, December 26, 2009

ABAI NEWSFLASH: Expansion of the Practice Board and Board Member Activities

Expansion of the Practice Board and Board Member Activities

The Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) Practice Board has been very active over the past six months. Membership and the focus of the Board has been expanded; this was done to address issues ABAI members have identified as critical to their support needs in the practice of applied behavior analysis...

Included in this expansion of the Practice Board membership are the following,

Chair: Michael F. Dorsey, Ph.D., BCBA

Committees and respective committee chairs:

Governmental Affairs: Thomas Zane, Ph.D., BCBA
Licensing: Michael Weinberg, Ph.D., BCBA
Insurance: Doreen Granpeesheh, Ph.D., BCBA
Insurance Billing: Travis Thompson, Ph.D., and Wayne Fisher, Ph.D., BCBA
Science to Practice: Jennifer Zarcone, Ph.D., BCBA
Education: R. Douglas Greer, Ph.D.
Practitioner Hotline: Jon Bailey, Ph.D., BCBA
Administrators: Bob Littleton, Ed.D., and Rita Gardner, MPH, BCBA
Student Practitioners: Josh Pritchard, MS, BCBA

Members of the ABAI Practice Board have attended or are scheduled to attend a number of ABAI affiliated state chapter and related conferences this year, including:

Practice Board members are available to present at state conferences on subjects related to practice or to consult with chapters on issues such as the development of state licensing laws or third party insurance billing. Recently, Thomas Zane, Michael Weinberg, and Michael Dorsey were invited to meet with the Board of Directors of New Jersey ABA and consult on the potential development of a state licensing law.

Please feel free to contact the ABAI office to request an appearance or meeting with Practice Board members.

Billing Committee Update

Travis Thompson, Ph.D., Co-Chair of the ABAI Practice Board’s Insurance Billing Committee reported on December 22, 2009 that his committee recently forwarded a "Letter of Intent" to submit a Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) Billing Code proposal covering ABA services for children diagnosed with Autism to the American Medical Association for consideration. Dr. Thompson noted that a representative from AMA contacted him today and that they confirmed receiving our letter of intent. Further, the AMA representative commented that the AMA thought the committee appropriately involved a cross-section of constituencies and organizations, and they noted that it was a good step that the Chair of the Section on Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics (which oversees ADHD and autism) of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has offered to assist with the effort. AAP is the major professional organization for all pediatricians. Dr. Thompson noted that the ABAI proposal is anticipated to be submitted to the AMA Committee June 2010. The AMA representative noted that, if our request is acted on favorably at the June 2010 meeting, the new codes could be in place by June 2012.
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Related links and posts:

Practice Resources, ABA International

Sunday, December 20, 2009
Practitioner Issues in Behavior Analysis SIG Blog
December 2009 notes on recent activities of the ABAI Practice Board

Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Practitioner Issues in Behavior Analysis SIG Blog
ABAI NEWSFLASH: New Practice Resources at ABA International!

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Website: Practitioner Issues in Behavior Analysis SIG

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Sunday, December 20, 2009

December 2009 notes on recent activities of the ABAI Practice Board

[Note - This is a reminder that while a Special Interest Group of ABA International, statements of the Practitioner's Issues in Behavior Analysis SIG (PIBA-SIG) do not represent, nor claim to represent, formal policy of the Association for Behavior Analysis, International (ABAI). The below notice is just a summing up/an FYI of that information currently available publicly on the ABA International website, and readers are encouraged to go to the primary sources for full and definitive information]
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The ABA International newsletter, Inside Behavior Analysis 1(2), December 2009 reported some interesting and useful updates on developments within ABA International by the ABAI Practice Board.
Inside Behavior Analysis states that this is a followup to an earlier email communication sent to members in September.

Below is a summary of what was reported in the newsletter on Practice Board activities and focus at the current time. Please refer to Inside Behavior Analysis 1(2), December 2009 for the full article, and consult the Practice Board pages at ABA International.

Insurance coverage

Two new committees are in development to assist practitioners with insurance billing questions.
An insurance summit is planned for the national convention in San Antonio bringing together representatives of ABAI, the BACB, insurance companies, Autism Speaks, and other advocacy groups.

Licensure

Descriptions are given of state licensure acts that have already passed and initiatives in progress or proposed, as well as progress on a model licensing act

Governmental affairs

Members of the Practice Board have been meeting with some of the affiliated chapters to assist with governmental advocacy, and will be expanding in the future to international efforts.
Information is given on members of the Practice Board to contact should an affiliated chapter or organization be considering bills that would affect practitioners of behavior analysis

Affiliated Chapter support

A full-day session for affiliated chapter training is being planned to immediately precede the ABAI Autism Conference in Chicago on Friday, January 22, 2010.
Another meeting for all affiliated chapters of ABAI is planned for the 2010 Annual Convention in San Antonio

A New Practitioner Hotline

A practitioner hotline has been created to give access to consultation services and advice to behavior analysis practitioners on pressing professional issues.

Agency Management

A committee is forming for those behavior analysts who have positions of responsibility in the private or public sector as CEO/COO of large agencies, Special Education Director or in service to school boards or state committees. The purpose of this committee is provide a forum for ABAI members in such roles and to provide a mentor service for new to such positions.
There is currently an invitation offered for those who would be interested in participation on such a committee

Task Forces

Position Statements

A task force with joint participation of the Science and Practice Boards has been formed on the question of seclusion and restraint. The charge of the task force is to develop and recommend a position statement on the appropriate use of restraint and seclusion to be submitted to ABAI Full Members for consideration.

Code of Ethics

A task force is currently being assembled to study the implications of revising a code of ethics for behavior analysts that will represent and support scientists and researchers, educators, and practitioners.

Higher Education Accreditation and improvements

Various initiatives are in progress, headed by the ABAI Education Board, to develop or improve criteria related to higher education standards in the training of behavior analysts.

For other updates, also see the below pages of which may contain additional details or elaborations of the above summaries, and additional information, such as contact people and Board Members within ABA International,

A Letter From the ABAI President
By Raymond G. Miltenberger, Inside Behavior Analysis 1(2), December 2009

Practice Board Page at ABA International,

Practice Resources page at ABA International
Which has news you can use in aid of advocacy on a variety of issues, and the formal Position Statements of ABA International

ABAI Education Board
By Charles T. Merbitz, Inside Behavior Analysis 1(2), December 2009

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Website: Practitioner Issues in Behavior Analysis SIG

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Thursday, July 2, 2009

FYI: AZ "HB 2207: Behavior Analysts" Passes in the Legislature

Arizona HB 2207 [amended]
was passed on 7/1/09, the last day of the regular session, by both houses of the legislature, transmitted to the Governor on the same day, and is pending signature.

It introduces changes to previous recently-passed statute on the licensure of Behavior Analysts in the state of Arizona which put Behavior Analysts under the purview of the Board of Psychologist Examiners. The just-passed HB 2207 specifies creation of a separate Board, some timeline changes, and other provisions of professional behavior and practice for Behavior Analysts. For status and current version of HB 2207, see the Arizona Legislative website.

As some background,

FACT SHEET FOR H.B. 2207 : Behavior Analysts (Barto, Bradley)
Prepared for the AZ Senate on 6/22/09
(Please note that some amendments on the specifics were made to the bill during subsequent Committee work to this Fact Sheet. It's provided just as general information to the gist of the bill.)

"Purpose
Specifies additional requirements for the licensure and regulation of behavior analysts by the Board of Psychologist Examiners.

Background

Laws 2008, Chapter 288, established a licensure and regulatory framework for behavior analysts under the Board of Psychologist Examiners (Board). The legislation required a person who wishes to practice as a behavior analyst to be licensed by the Board beginning January 1, 2010. Additionally, the legislation outlined the educational and experience requirements of licensees and enumerated the duties of the Board, including the licensing and regulating of behavior analysts, prescribing fees, conducting investigations of complaints and taking disciplinary action. Finally, the law designated acts of unprofessional conduct and established grounds for disciplinary action..."

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Practitioner Issues in Behavior Analysis SIG
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Views and news expressed in this blog or by the PIBA SIG are those of the SIG or individual SIG member authors and do not represent official policy of ABA International or other official body. For official policy of the Association of Behavior Analysis International, the reader is directed
to their website,

Monday, June 8, 2009

NEWS: Federal S. 1169 joins H.R. 1600 to provide for the treatment of autism under TRICARE

On June 3, 2009 S. 1169 was introduced by Senator Kirsten E. Gillibrand (NY), as the Senate-side companion resolution to the previously introduced H.R. 1600. Both bills would "amend title 10, United States Code, to provide for the treatment of autism under TRICARE.".

Senator Gillibrand talking about her Autism Plan and S. 1169

Sections of particular interest to Behavior Analysts (identical language in H.R. 1600 and S. 1169),

"...`(3) The Secretary may not consider the use of applied behavior analysis or other structured behavior programs under this section to be special education for purposes of section 1079(a)(9) of this title.
`(4) In carrying out this subsection, the Secretary shall ensure that--
`(A) a person who is authorized to provide applied behavior analysis or other structured behavior programs is licensed or certified by a State, the Behavior Analyst Certification Board, or other accredited national certification board; and
`(B) if applied behavior analysis or other structured behavior program is provided by an employee or contractor of a person authorized to provide such treatment, the employee or contractor shall meet minimum qualifications, training, and supervision requirements consistent with business best practices in the field of behavior analysis and autism services.
`(5) In this section:
`(A) The term `autism spectrum disorders' includes autistic disorder, Asperger's syndrome, and any of the pervasive developmental disorders as defined by the most recent edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.
`(B) The term `habilitative and rehabilitative care' includes--
`(i) professional counseling;
`(ii) guidance service;
`(iii) treatment programs, including not more than 40 hours per week of applied behavior analysis; and
`(iv) other structured behavior programs that a health care professional determines necessary to develop, improve, maintain, or restore the functions of the beneficiary..."

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Full text, tracking and other commentary on S.1169 and H.R. 1600

More information and advocacy tips from Autism Votes:
Uniformed Services With Autism (USA) Heroes Act (H.R. 1600)
Blog posts on the resolutions at the Blog,
Jacob Woodard: A Military Child Living With PDD-NOS
April 21, 2009 Letter from Frank R. Wolf (R-10th VA) on why he is co-sponsoring H.R. 1600
H.R. 1600 To amend title 10, United States Code, to provide for the treatment of autism under TRICARE. (Introduced in House) 3/18/2009. Thomas.gov
Summary and tracking feed on H.R. 1600 from OpenCongress.org
S.1169 To amend title 10, United States Code, to provide for the treatment of autism under TRICARE. (Introduced in Senate) 6/3/2009. Thomas.gov
Summary and tracking feed on S. 1169 from OpenCongress.org

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Practitioner Issues in Behavior Analysis SIG
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Views and news expressed in this blog or by the PIBA SIG are those of the SIG and SIG members and do not represent official policy of ABA International or other official body. For official policy of the Association of Behavior Analysis International, the reader is directed to their website,

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

NEWS: Nevada passes autism bill May 23, 2009

Nevada just passed an autism insurance reform bill, AB 162. Besides allowing families to access reimbursible treatment of autism, the amended bill (amendment 699) also specified competencies and licensing of those providing behavioral treatment. The bill has been sent to the Nevada Governor to await his signature.

Bill text and status is accessible after the newsblurb.

"Nevada passes autism bill
By CATHY BUSSEWITZ Associated Press Writer
Posted: 05/23/2009 03:13:14 PM PDT
Updated: 05/23/2009 04:38:11 PM PDT

CARSON CITY, Nev.—Nevada lawmakers gave final approval Saturday to help children with autism by requiring health insurers to cover screening and treatment of the disorder..."

FULL POST San Jose [CA] Mercury News
http://www.mercurynews.com/breakingnews/ci_12437455

The text of the bill passed,

AB162	Requires certain policies of health insurance and health care plans to provide coverage for screening for and treatment of autism. (BDR 57-44)
	Introduced On: Feb 12, 2009
	By: Ohrenschall Buckley Leslie Woodbury Conklin Aizley Anderson Arberry Atkinson Bobzien Carpenter Christensen Claborn Denis Dondero Loop Goicoechea Grady Hambrick Hardy Hogan Horne Kihuen Kirkpatrick Koivisto Manendo Mastroluca McClain Mortenson Munford Oceguera Parnell Pierce Segerblom Smith Stewart Horsford Schneider Lee Wiener Townsend Amodei Breeden Care Carlton Coffin Copening Nolan Parks Rhoads Woodhouse
	Most Recent History Action: May 23, 2009 - Enrolled and delivered to Governor. ----------- Website: Practitioner Issues in Behavior Analysis SIG ----------- Views and news expressed in this blog or by the PIBA SIG are those of the SIG and SIG members and do not represent official policy of ABA International or other official body. For official policy of the Association of Behavior Analysis International, the reader is directed to their website, http://www.abainternational.org

ABAI NEWSFLASH: New Practice Resources at ABA International!

During the Annual Convention in Phoenix, there were many meetings on the question of practice, and related issues of advocacy, potential licensure, as well as presentations on the state of practice and relevant developments, such as the current spate of autism insurance reform bills.

One of the new developments is a slew of resources for practitioners, listed on the Practice Resources page at the ABA International website,
http://www.abainternational.org/BA/practice.asp

Although members are urged to review as much of the page as is possible, I want to highlight a few items of note,

"New Services for ABAI affiliated chapters and organizational members",
http://www.abainternational.org/BA/practice/Malott-Services.pdf

To clarify informally--formal questions should go to ABAI, the reference on page 3, "Training is complimentary", refers to the One Day Training for Chapters, with reduced fees for those Chapter reps who choose to stay over in Chicago for the Autism Conference itself.

Under the Licensing category, see

Raymond Fowler's Discussion on Licensure to ABAI Affiliated Chapter and SIG Leaders
http://www.abainternational.org/BA/practice/Fowler-Licensure.pdf

and some resources for advocacy,

Legistlative Advocacy Handbook

Legistlative Advocacy PowerPoint

As previously stated, take the time to get acquainted with the new resources and opportunities developed during the previous year and shared at the Convention!

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Website: Practitioner Issues in Behavior Analysis SIG
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Views and news expressed in this blog or by the PIBA SIG are those of the SIG and SIG members and do not represent official policy of ABA International or other official body. For official policy of the Association of Behavior Analysis International, the reader is directed to their website, http://www.abainternational.org

Sunday, May 17, 2009

NEWS: CA "Obstacles To Winning Coverage for Autism Treatments Linger"

Story from the California Healthline May 11, 2009

"Monday, May 11, 2009
Obstacles To Winning Coverage for Autism Treatments Linger

The [CA] Department of Managed Health Care has declined five requests for independent medical reviews of insurers' denials for a type of autism treatment, sparking concerns from parents of children with autism and legislative leaders, the Los Angeles Daily Journal reports.

Insurers maintain that applied behavior analysis, also called ABA, is an educational treatment, not a medical service. Health plans have declined to cover the service, which can cost $70,000 annually.

Until recently, DMHC forwarded appeals of such claims denials to independent medical reviews, but the department has shifted the way it interprets state law.

According to the Daily Journal, the new interpretation means that regulators will reject requests for independent medical reviews if a health insurance policy does not guarantee coverage of the service.

Story from CaliforniaDMHC spokesperson Lynne Randolph said the agency is reviewing each case individually and would grant independent medical reviews for appropriate cases.

Licensed Providers

Parents also are having problems getting health plans to cover ABA services because insurers are requiring a licensed provider to perform the service.

California currently does not require licenses for ABA providers, and parents of autistic children have reported obstacles obtaining lists of licensed ABA providers (George, Los Angeles Daily Journal, 5/11)."

http://www.californiahealthline.org/Articles/2009/5/11/Obstacles-Linger-To-Winning-Coverage-for-Autism-Treatments.aspx

Website: Practitioner Issues in Behavior Analysis SIG
-----------
Views and news expressed in this blog or by the PIBA SIG are those of the SIG and SIG members and do not represent official policy of ABA International or other official body. For official policy of the Association of Behavior Analysis International, the reader is directed to their website, http://www.abainternational.org

Monday, May 4, 2009

NEWS: Oklahoma Governor signs HB 2027--creates licensure for BACB Certificants

AP Story on passage of Oklahoma HB 2027
Signed into law by Governor Henry.
Associated Press - May 4, 2009 6:05 PM ET

"OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - Gov. Brad Henry has signed legislation designed to increase the number of therapists who provide services to autistic children...The bill calls for enactment of a licensing process for national board certified behavior analysts..."

Note: This story was reported as coming from the AP, but the info reported is not yet showing on the Oklahoma legislative website, so until confirming reports come out, consider the news tenative.

-----------

Articles on Licensure from the journal, Behavior Analysis in Practice

From Behavior Analysis in Practice, volume 2, no. 1, Spring 2009
Journal website

From Table of Contents and other info on journal and submissions

Special Section
Invited Commentaries: The Licensing of Behavior Analysts

A Primer on Professional Credentialing: Introduction to Invited Commentaries on Licensing Behavior Analysts . 51
Gina Green, Ph.D., BCBA & James M. Johnston, Ph.D., BCBA

The Case for Licensure of Applied Behavior Analysts . 53
Michael F. Dorsey, Ph.D., BCBA, Michael Weinberg, Ph.D., BCBA, Thomas Zane, Ph.D., BCBA, & Megan M. Guidi, M.S., BCBA

Licensing of Behavior Analysts: Risks and Alternatives . . 59
Gina Green, Ph.D., BCBA & James M. Johnston, Ph.D., BCBA

BehavAnPract_journalSpr2009

Publish at Scribd or explore others:

-----------

Saturday, May 2, 2009

2009 Bills Proposing Licensure of Behavior Analysts

CORRECTION: 5/28/09: The bill passed and signed in Oklahoma was SB 135, which was a mirror bill of HB 2027.
UPDATE: 5/4/09--~~Oklahoma HB 2027~~ is reported as signed into law by Governor Henry. Creates training program and licensing for BACB certificants.

----------

View Licensure of behavior analysts in a larger map

For further reading,

ABAI's Commitment to Licensing of Applied Behavior Analysts
By Dr. Michael Weinberg, Ph.D.
ABA International Newsletter, 31(3), Fall 2008

Frequently Asked Questions Concerning
Licensing of Applied Behavior Analysts
at the ABA International website

and Licensing page (resources & info) at the PIBA-SIG website

-----------

Friday, May 1, 2009

Events of interest to PIBA-SIG members at ABA Phoenix

Because of the many events of interest at the Annual Conference in Phoenix, the reader is directed to
Check out the page at our website

Where we've collected a list that might be particularly interesting to members of this SIG, and others who have interest in policy and practice matters.

For the Business meetings, and the PIBA-SIG meeting times, please see,
PIBA-SIG business & other mtgs at ABA Phoenix

Below are highlighted a couple of events of interest because of the current ongoing legislative action towards insurance funding of behavior analytic services to children with autism, and the developments towards licensure of professionals in Behavior Analysis.

--------------------------

#288 Special Event
5/24/2009
4:00 p.m. - 5:20 p.m.
North 120 D
AUT

Legal Reform and Autism: How to Shape Public Policy

Chair: Jonathan J. Tarbox (Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Inc.)
LORRI UNUMB (Senior Policy Advisor and Counsel, Autism Speaks)

Abstract:
It is clear that Autism Speaks and ABAI have much in common in working together to ensure that all children diagnosed with autism are provided appropriate services and that the insurance mandate bills, both at the state and federal levels, are passed. She will provide a clear picture of the state of the situation, as well as advocacy efforts that we behavior analysts can engage in to help this effort.

--------------------------

#482 Panel Discussion
5/25/2009
4:00 p.m. - 4:50 p.m.
North 120 D
OTH/CSE; Service Delivery
BACB CE Offered. CE Instructor: Michael Weinberg, Ph.D., BCBA
Licensing of Behavior Analysis: Protecting the Profession and the Public

Chair: Michael Weinberg (Orlando Behavior Health Services, LLC)
MICHAEL F. DORSEY (The Vinfen Corporation and Endicott College)
THOMAS L. ZANE (Sage Colleges)
MICHAEL WEINBERG (Orlando Behavior Health Services, LLC)

Abstract:
Panelists in this presentation will discuss future directions for the field with regard to licensure of behavior analysts. The panel will discuss why the time has come in the evolution of the field to pursue licensure as the next step in the process. An examination and discussion of legal and ethical issues will be presented along with how to pursue proposing and passing licensure legislation, how licensure ensures protection of the public, and requirements and standards being proposed for becoming licensed as a behavior analyst. The presentation will include activities to date by the Practice Board to achieve licensure status, as well as discuss ways to achieve third party payment for behavior analysis services.

Again, for the full listing of events of interest, the reader is directed to
Check out the page at our website

See you at the Conference!

-----------

Saturday, February 13, 2010

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Sunday, December 20, 2009

Thursday, July 2, 2009

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Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Sunday, May 17, 2009

Monday, May 4, 2009

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Friday, May 1, 2009

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