FL S0628

Establishes the Board of Applied Behavior Analysis within the Department of Health's Division of Medical Quality Assurance, consisting of seven members appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate.

Creates licensure requirements for behavior analysts and assistant behavior analysts, requiring applicants to be board-certified by the national Behavior Analyst Certification Board, pass criminal background checks with fingerprints, and pay fees not to exceed $100 for application, $300 for initial license, or $300 for renewal.

Requires biennial license renewal with continuing education of up to 32 hours for behavior analysts or 20 hours for assistant behavior analysts, with proof of current Behavior Analyst Certification Board certification.

Establishes grounds for license denial and disciplinary action including fraud, criminal convictions related to practice, false advertising, sexual misconduct, and failure to maintain client confidentiality, with penalties enforceable under section 456.072.

Prohibits unlicensed individuals from practicing applied behavior analysis or using the titles "licensed behavior analyst" or "licensed assistant behavior analyst" effective January 1, 2016, with violations constituting a third-degree felony for unlicensed practice or second-degree misdemeanor for unauthorized title use; exempts certain professions including physicians, psychologists, occupational therapists, educators, and clergy.