Relates to holders of certain operating certificates authorized to provide behavioral analysis services…

Showing the cosponsors who are on Agora, A to Z. The official record may list more.

• Democratic1

Shown in neutral colors by design; Agora is non-partisan.

◆ The sponsor's argument

Why Patricia Fahy says this is needed

Licensed Behavior Analysts (LBAs) and Licensed Mental Health Counselors (LMHCs) can only be employed in OPWDD settings under the titles of Behavior Intervention Specialist (BIS) or Applied Behavioral Sciences Specialist (ABSS). Under OPWDD regulations, LBAs and LMHCs are required to receive review and approval of their work by a licensed psychologist, licensed clinical social worker, or a licensed psychiatrist, even though these professionals are separately licensed, have extensive training, and have experience in their respective fields. This additional level of review and approval is costly and contributes to delays in care. These reviews provide no added benefit to the quality of the service being delivered.These reviews also impose an unwarranted cost on OPWDD agen- cies, as an additional licensed provider must be paid to review and approve the work LBAs and LMHCs would do independently in any other setting. The legislature has provided the professions with the ability to practice independently within their scope of practice and there is no rationale for this additional undue burden in OPWDD settings.

This is the sponsor's own case for the bill, quoted from their memorandum. It is not Agora's description of what the bill does.