Public Policy and Practice

Note: Like some other professions, practitioners of behavior analysis are certified by a nationally accredited credentialing body, the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB), which functions much like a licensure board. Contact the BACB (info@bacb.com) for more information.

Professional liability insurance for BCBAs and BCaBAs. The BACB and the Association of Professional Behavior Analysts (APBA) have identified an insurance company that will provide insurance specifically for BCBAs and BCaBAs. For more information and a link to that company's website, see the Professional Liability Insurance page on the APBA website.

News Updates

• Nov. 16, 2009, California Healthline:
  State Regulators Might Require Health Plans To Cover Autism Therapy
• Oct. 27, 2009, LATimes.com:
  Ruling deals a blow to denials of autism treatment
• Oct. 15, 2009:
  Proposed changes to Title 5 NPS/NPA regulations regarding behavior intervention
• June 19, 2009, PRNewswire.com:
  Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan forced to pay for autism care in landmark case

California State Laws, Regulations, and Legislation

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• Laws and Regulations
  • Department of Developmental Services
    • Regional Center vendor categories. Scroll down to "Associate Behavior Analyst" and "Behavior Analyst." (In particular, refer to sections 8, 11, and 12.)
    • ABA training requirements for Behavior Management Consultants.
  • State Board of Education
  • State Department of Education: Special Education Division
    • Education Code Part 30, Section 56525. BCBAs are eligible to serve as behavioral intervention case managers (a.k.a. "The La Suer Bill," A.B. 2845).
    • CA Code of Regulations, Title 5, Section 3052. Behavioral Intervention Plans (a.k.a. "The Hughes Bill," A.B. 2586). (Describes regulations for implementing behavior change programs in public school settings. Does not require that the work be performed by a BCBA as currently worded.)
  • California codes. Searchable database of all 29 state codes.
• Legislation
  • State Capitol Today. A daily summary of capitol press conferences, top political stories from major California newspapers, and scheduled legislative hearings.
  • California legislative rosters with email addresses
    • State Assembly
    • State Senate
  • Legislative district search. Find your California legislative representatives using this zip code search engine.