MN SF3792

Increases Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy from 13 to 14 members, adding one behavior analyst licensed under the new sections 148B.73 to 148B.88.

Establishes licensing requirements for behavior analysts and assistant behavior analysts, requiring valid certification from the Behavior Analyst Certification Board, maintained active status, and passage of national professional examination.

Defines practice of behavior analysis as utilizing special skills to assist individuals through design and evaluation of instructional and environmental modifications, explicitly excluding psychological testing, psychotherapy, cognitive therapy, and counseling.

Licenses must be renewed biiennially with evidence of current certification, and effective July 1, 2019, no person may practice behavior analysis without licensure as either a behavior analyst or assistant behavior analyst.

Exempts from licensing requirements other licensed health professionals, public employees, tribal practitioners, students in accredited programs, animal behaviorists, and researchers not providing direct services.