AB 1715 Summary

• Establishes the Behavior Analyst Act, creating licensure requirements for behavior analysts, assistant behavior analysts, behavior analyst interns, and behavior analysis technicians under Board of Psychology oversight until January 1, 2022.

• Increases Board of Psychology from 9 to 11 members effective July 1, 2018, with one new member being a licensed psychologist qualified to practice behavior analysis, and raises quorum requirement from 5 to 6 members.

• Requires licensed behavior analysts and assistant behavior analysts to pass Board Certified Behavior Analyst examination, maintain active certification with certifying entity, complete specified coursework and supervised training hours, and pass California law and ethics examination.

• Creates Behavior Analyst Committee with 5 members to recommend regulations; establishes registration requirements for behavior analyst interns (supervised practice up to 6 years) and behavior analysis technicians (must work under supervision).

• Makes unlicensed practice of behavior analysis illegal effective July 1, 2019; establishes civil penalties up to $1,000 per day for failing to produce medical records and criminal penalties of up to 6 months jail and $2,000 fine for violations.