HB535 Summary

• Establishes the Alabama Behavior Analyst Licensing Board within the Department of Mental Health, Division of Developmental Disabilities, with seven members including four licensed behavior analysts, one licensed psychologist, one parent/guardian of treated person, and one public member.

• Requires initial board members to be board certified behavior analysts appointed by the Department of Mental Health Commissioner based on recommendations from the Alabama Association for Behavior Analysis, Alabama Interagency Autism Coordinating Council, and other appropriate groups.

• Mandates criminal background checks on all licensure applicants pursuant to board rule, with applicants submitting fingerprints and required forms to the State Bureau of Investigations or contracted entity.

• Establishes the Alabama Behavior Analyst Licensing Board Fund in the State Treasury to receive and disburse all board revenues for operations and carrying out licensing requirements.

• Defines license terms as two years expiring December 31 of the second year, with provisions for renewal, late renewal, reinstatement, and requirements that licenses not renewed within two years must reapply as new applicants.