Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Health Care & Wellness Committee

SSB 5488

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

Brief Description: Concerning applied behavior analysis.

Sponsors: Senate Committee on Health Care (originally sponsored by Senators Keiser, Jayapal, Parlette and Cleveland).

Brief Summary of Substitute Bill

  • Creates three new professions: licensed behavior analysts, licensed assistant behavior analysts, and certified behavior technicians.

Hearing Date: 3/17/15

Staff: Alexa Silver (786-7190).

Background:

Applied behavior analysis involves the design, implementation, and evaluation of environmental modifications to produce socially significant improvements in behavior. The national Behavior Analyst Certification Board issues three credentials for behavior analysts: Board Certified Behavior Analysts - Doctoral, Board Certified Behavior Analysts, and Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analysts. Applicants must meet degree, training, and experience requirements and must pass an examination.

In December 2014, the Department of Health (Department) completed a sunrise review of a proposal to license behavior analysts and assistant behavior analysts. The Department found that the proposal met the sunrise review criteria for a new profession, but recommended several changes to the legislation. For example, it suggested regulating technicians who provide hands-on services to clients and designating the Secretary of Health as the disciplining authority.

Summary of Bill:

Behavior Analysis Professionals.

No person may practice applied behavior analysis unless he or she is a licensed behavior analyst or a licensed assistant behavior analyst, and an unlicensed person may not use those titles. No person may practice as a certified behavior technician without holding a certification, and a person who is not certified may not use that title. A licensed behavior analyst is a person licensed to engage in the practice of applied behavior analysis. A licensed assistant behavior analyst is a person licensed to engage in the practice of applied behavior analysis under the supervision of a licensed behavior analyst. A certified behavior technician is a paraprofessional who implements a treatment plan under the close, ongoing supervision of a licensed behavior analyst or a licensed assistant behavior analyst, but who does not design or supervise implementation of a treatment plan.

The "practice of applied behavior analysis" means: (1) the design, implementation, and evaluation of instructional and environmental modifications based on scientific research and the direct observation and measurement of behavior and the environment to produce socially significant improvements in human behavior; (2) empirical identification of functional relations between behavior and environmental factors, known as functional assessment and analysis; and (3) utilization of contextual factors, motivating operations, antecedent stimuli, positive reinforcement, and other consequences to assist individuals in developing new behaviors, increasing or decreasing existing behaviors, and emitting behaviors under specific environmental conditions. It does not include psychological testing, diagnosis of a mental or physical disorder, neuropsychology, psychotherapy, cognitive therapy, sex therapy, psychoanalysis, hypnotherapy, counseling, or the use of the techniques described in (3) above alone as treatment modalities.

Exemptions.

The following are exempt from licensure:

Qualifications and Applications.

An applicant for licensure as a behavior analyst must have:

An applicant for licensure as an assistant behavior analyst must:

An applicant for certification as a behavior technician must have successfully completed a training program of at least 40 hours that is approved by the Secretary, provide proof of ongoing supervision, and meet any other requirements determined by the Secretary.

The Secretary must issue a license to an applicant who submits a completed application, pays the appropriate fees, demonstrates good moral character, has not engaged in unprofessional conduct, is not subject to disciplinary proceedings, and is not unable to practice with reasonable skill and safety. The Secretary may accept certification by a national accredited professional credentialing entity in lieu of the requirements related to education, instruction, experience, and examination.

An applicant who holds a license in another state or Canadian province may be licensed if the Secretary determines the licensing jurisdiction's standards are substantially equivalent to Washington's. The Secretary may grant a temporary license to a non-resident if he or she is licensed to practice behavior analysis in another state or Canadian province and meets any requirements set by the Secretary.

A license or certification is valid for two years, and the Secretary must establish requirements for renewals by rule. The Uniform Disciplinary Act governs unlicensed practice, issuance and denial of licenses, and discipline.

Advisory Committee.

The Applied Behavior Analysis Advisory Committee (Committee) is established, and the Secretary must consult with the Committee in determining qualifications for licensure and certification. The Committee consists of the following five members:

Members are appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the Secretary. Terms for the initial members may be staggered, but are otherwise four years, and no member may serve more than two consecutive terms. The Committee must meet at least twice each year. Members must be reimbursed for travel expenses and compensated up to $50 per day for attending official meetings or performing other required duties.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect on July 1, 2017.