MA H4927

All public, charter, and private schools in Massachusetts must provide access to applied behavior analysis (ABA) services for students diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, delivered by licensed applied behavior analysts, board certified behavior analysts, or supervised registered behavior technicians.

Schools cannot deny access to qualified ABA providers, including private instructional personnel contracted by parents, and must collaborate with private providers to integrate services into the student's academic environment.

Schools are prohibited from imposing requirements beyond state licensure/certification, denying providers access to classrooms, or charging parents additional fees for ABA services delivered on school premises.

Schools may request documentation from ABA providers but cannot delay services longer than 45 days; all providers must complete state-mandated background checks.

Parents, guardians, or providers may file complaints with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education if access is denied, with the department authorized to investigate and impose penalties on non-compliant schools; effective date is July 1, 2025.