SB2496 Summary

• Exempts individuals who implement applied behavior analysis services for adults with autism spectrum disorders under the Medicaid home and community-based services (HCBS I/DD) waiver program on or before January 1, 2024, from behavior analyst licensure requirements.

• Allows unlicensed practitioners including master's level practitioners, students, and postdoctoral fellows to train and supervise paraprofessionals, direct support workers, or parents/guardians in implementing applied behavior analysis interventions when directly supervised by a licensed professional within that professional's scope of practice.

• Permits family members, legal guardians, and caregivers to implement applied behavior analysis plans under the direction of a licensed behavior analyst or Hawaii-licensed psychologist.

• Standardizes terminology throughout Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 465D by replacing "practice of behavior analysis" with "practice of applied behavior analysis" to clarify scope and reduce community confusion.

• Effective date: July 1, 3000.