We assert that the BEST outcomes for practitioners
and consumers will occur when issues related to the
practice of ABA are regulated by BAs.
Preserving and protecting the discipline
simultaneously protects the consumer
What do we have to
preserve & protect?
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Hundreds of published studies
document the effectiveness of
many specific, focused ABA
techniques for building a wide
range of important skills and
reducing problem behaviors in
people of all ages, & in a
variety of settings.....
.......when treatment is directed by qualified professional
behavior analysts.
Careful meta-analyses showed that early intensive ABA produced
larger, more reliable improvements than “eclectic” (mixed-method)
treatment or standard services. (Howard, Sparkman, Cohen, Green &
Stanislaw, 2005)
1. ABA as a distinct discipline
2. The role of the BACB
3. Problems and concerns
4. Self-regulation facts & projection
1. ABA as a distinct discipline
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Origins of BA
Behavior analysis - distinct scientific discipline,
separate from psychology and other
disciplines. It originated in experimental--not
clinical -- psychology, but developed its own
conceptualizations, principles, research
methods, and scientific literature.
B.F. Skinner developed behavior analysis 1930s NATURAL science of behavior with
distinctive conceptual underpinnings and
research methods.
1. ABA as a distinct discipline
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The Council of Specialties in Professional Psychology states explicitly that
“The BACB certifies behavior analysts. The BACB certification is
NOT a psychological certification
....the Legal Affairs Division of the California Department of Consumer
Affairs concluded that “…while behavior analysts are engaged in behavior
modification, it is in a context and methodology different than that of
psychologists or marriage, family, or child counselors” and that behavior
analysts were not engaged in the practice of any of those
professions.
The Profession of BA MEETS AND EXCEEDS the criteria for identifying
as a distinct discipline as outlined in Ford v. Philadelphia Housing
1. ABA as a distinct discipline
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According to Shook (2007), the greatest
number of Board Certified Behavior
Analysts today graduate with a terminal
master’s degree in Special Education,
not Psychology.
Some behavior analysis training programs
reside in departments of psychology, but
few college or university programs that
prepare individuals for psychology licensure
provide much training in behavior analysis;
most provide none. Notably, a recent
practice analysis for licensed
psychologists conducted for the
Association of State and Provincial
Psychology Boards did not include
behavior analysis, applied behavior
analysis, or even behavioral psychology
among the major areas of training or
2. The Role of the BACB
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The BACB credentials are
recognized in a variety of state
laws or rules as qualifications for
certain positions and/or
reimbursement without additional
state regulation. Examples:
WV: legislative audit finding that
BACB credential sufficient for
public protection; Codes of state
developmental services agencies
(e.g., CA, FL); Medicaid rules (e.g.,
FL, ME); Codes of state education
systems (e.g., CA, CT, LA); Most of
31 statutes requiring certain health
plans to cover ABA treatment for
autism
2. The Role of the BACB
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Psychometric testing of eligible
candidates
Renewal of certification based
on acquisition of CEUs & good
standing
Options for consumer
complaints & Disciplinary
actions taken
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Develop and revise ethical
and professional guidelines
Monitor approved university
programs
Assistance to states
conducting mandatory
criminal background
checks Development/testing
candidates on local laws &
rules
3. Problems & Concerns
Scope of practice
Profession A
(regulatory authority)
but because A
can regulate B
conflict exists
can bill for same
service
Scope of
practice
Profession
B
competition
should occasion
a better product
3. Problems & Concerns
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Even with a title and practice act establishing independent practice rights
being under another regulatory authority is actually perpetual supervision
Prior to the autism insurance laws there apparently was little interest in
what we do professionally
“...if you go under [them] you will never see the light of day”
Last legislative session, Louisiana consumers, advocates, and Behavior
Analysts (over 1,600) strongly opposed multiple licensure bills in which
the LSBEP was the regulatory authority for behavior analysts.
Byproduct of a hostile environment laden with threats.
4. Self-Reg. facts & projection
1) Coordination with BACB &
State Professional Organization
2) Liaise w/ State and Local
Authorities (AG & DA)
3) Part-time/Shared Staff
4) Pro Bono assistance
5) Shared Office space/expenses
It might not be easy, but let the
BAs do it!
It is the profession of Behavior
Analysis, Behavior Analysts
have the responsibility to
get it right!
4. Self-Reg. facts & projection
Composition of the Louisiana State Board of Behavior Analysts
In Summary
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The Louisiana Behavior Analysis Association recognizes and respects the
right of every practitioner profession to regulate the practice of its own
members, within the boundaries of applicable laws and regulations.
We assert that same right for appropriately credentialed practitioners of
applied behavior analysis (ABA). We should not be required to be licensed
as or supervised by members of other professions.
BAs in our state currently practice under the rigorous standards and ethical
guidelines of the BABC
We are seeking licensure as a professional credential
We strongly believe in order to protect the public we need to preserve &
protect the science & discipline of BA
We believe we can better achieve this through an independent licensing
board