HB 449 Summary: Behavior Analysts

• Creates Chapter 470, Florida Statutes, to establish licensure and regulation of behavior analysts and assistant behavior analysts in Florida, with the goal of protecting the public from unqualified practitioners.

• Establishes a Board of Applied Behavior Analysis within the Division of Medical Quality Assurance consisting of seven members (three board-certified behavior analysts, one assistant behavior analyst, one health care practitioner, and two laypersons) appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate.

• Requires applicants for licensure to be board-certified by the national Behavior Analyst Certification Board, conduct professional activities according to accepted standards, pass criminal background checks with fingerprinting, and pay fees not exceeding $100 for applications and $300 for initial licenses or renewals.

• Makes practicing applied behavior analysis without a license a felony of the third degree and using related titles without proper authorization a misdemeanor of the second degree.

• Exempts certain professionals from licensure requirements, including psychologists, certified teachers in schools, clergy, physicians, clinical social workers, and persons providing services in nonprofit organizations or conducting research/teaching without direct service delivery.

• Takes effect January 1, 2016.