SLS 12RS-531 ORIGINAL Page 1 of 17 Coding: Words which are struck through are deletions from existing law; words in boldface type and underscored are additions. Regular Session, 2012 SENATE BILL NO. 185 BY SENATOR CLAITOR HEALTH CARE. Provides relative to licensed behavior analysts. (gov sig) AN ACT1 To enact Part VII of Chapter 15 of Title 37 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, to be2 comprised of R.S. 37:1360.81 through 1360.95, and R.S. 37:2353(C)(7), relative to3 behavioral analysts; to provide for the Board Certified Behavioral Analyst Practice4 Act; to provide for additional authority to the Louisiana State Board of Examiners5 for Psychologists; and to provide for related matters.6 Be it enacted by the Legislature of Louisiana:7 Section 1. Part VII of Chapter 15 of Title 37 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of8 1950, comprised of R.S. 37:1360.81 through 1360.95, and R.S. 37:2353(C)(7) are hereby9 enacted to read as follows: 10 Part VII. BEHAVIORAL ANALYSTS11 §1360.81. Short title12 This Part may be cited as the "Board Certified Behavioral Analyst13 Practice Act".14 §1360.82. Definitions15 As used in this Part the following words, terms, and phrases have the16 meaning ascribed to them in this Section, unless the context clearly indicates a17 SB NO. 185 SLS 12RS-531 ORIGINAL Page 2 of 17 Coding: Words which are struck through are deletions from existing law; words in boldface type and underscored are additions. different meaning:1 (1)"Applied behavior analysis" means the design, implementation, and2 evaluation of environmental modifications, using behavioral stimuli and3 consequences, to produce socially significant improvements in and4 understanding of human behavior based on the principles of behavior identified5 through the experimental analysis of behavior. It includes the empirical6 identification of functional relations between behavior and environments. It7 uses direct observation and measurement of behavior and environment.8 Interventions based on scientific research are used and includes contextual9 factors, establishing operations, antecedent stimuli, positive reinforcers, and10 other consequences, based on identified functional relationships with the11 environment, in order to produce practical behavior change.12 (2) "Board" means Louisiana State Board of Examiners of Psychologists.13 (3)"Certification board" means the Behavior Analyst Certification14 Board and/or its equivalent recommended by the Licensed Behavior Analyst15 Committee and approved by the board.16 (4)"Certified" means a practitioner who has met the certification criteria17 of and has received a certificate from the certification board.18 (5)"Licensed behavior analyst" or "LBA" means an individual who by19 education and experience meets the requirements for licensing by the board and20 is duly licensed to independently practice applied behavior analysis.21 (6)"Licensed Behavior Analyst Committee" or "LBAC" means a22 committee, established by the board for purposes as defined in this Part.23 (7)"Recognized educational institution" means a degree-granting college24 or university that is accredited by a regional board or association of institutions25 of higher education approved by the Council on Post-Secondary Education of26 the United States Department of Education. The program shall also include an27 approved course sequence of the behavior analyst certification board or its28 successor and/or equivalent approved by the Licensed Behavior Analyst29 SB NO. 185 SLS 12RS-531 ORIGINAL Page 3 of 17 Coding: Words which are struck through are deletions from existing law; words in boldface type and underscored are additions. Committee.1 (8)"Supervised experience" means services rendered as a part of the2 certification requirements of a behavior analyst or board certified associate3 behavior analyst under the supervision of a licensed behavior analyst or4 psychologist as approved by the Licensed Behavior Analyst Committee. 5 §1360.83. Powers and duties of the board6 The board shall have and exercise with respect to licensed behavior7 analysts, all powers and duties granted to it by R.S. 37:2351 et seq. In addition,8 the board shall have the authority to:9 (1) Establish and publish standards of applied behavior analysis practice10 in accordance with those developed and accepted by the profession represented11 by such organizations as the Behavior Analysis Certification Board, Association12 for Behavior Analysis International and/or others deemed appropriate by the13 Licensed Behavior Analyst Committee and approved by the board.14 (2) Approve, deny, revoke, suspend, renew and reinstate licensure of15 duly qualified applicants based on the recommendation of the Licensed16 Behavior Analyst Committee and approved by the board.17 (3) Adopt, revise, and enforce orders, rules, and regulations for licensure18 and renewal as recommended by the Licensed Behavior Analyst Committee to19 ensure the competency of applicants, the protection of the public, and proper20 administration of this Part in accordance with the Administrative Procedure21 Act. Any rules regarding the practice of applied behavior analysis shall be22 consistent with the standards established by the Behavior Analyst Certification23 Board or other certifying boards as recommended by the Licensed Behavior24 Analyst Committee and approved by the board.25 (4) Conduct hearings on charges calling for the denial, suspension,26 revocation, or refusal to renew a license with a designee from the Licensed27 Behavior Analyst Committee present. Such designee shall be appointed as28 needed by the chair of the board.29 SB NO. 185 SLS 12RS-531 ORIGINAL Page 4 of 17 Coding: Words which are struck through are deletions from existing law; words in boldface type and underscored are additions. §1360.84. License required 1 No one shall hold himself out as a licensed behavior analyst unless2 licensed in accordance with the provisions of this Part.3 §1360.85. Qualifications of applicants4 A. Notwithstanding any other provision of the Part or other law to the5 contrary, any applied behavior analyst shall be issued an applied behavior6 analyst license by the board upon satisfaction of all of the following criteria:7 (1) Submit to the board a completed application form approved by the8 Licensed Behavior Analyst Committee.9 (2) Pay all necessary licensure fees.10 (3) Hold a master's degree or doctoral degree from a regionally11 accredited college or university with approved course sequence of the Behavior12 Analyst Certification Board or it successor and/or equivalent reviewed by the13 Licensed Behavior Analyst Committee and approved by the board.14 (4) The successful completion of an approved or supervised experience15 in the practice of applied behavior analysis as an approved experiential16 sequence of the Behavior Analyst Certification Board or its successor and/or17 equivalent reviewed by the Licensed Behavior Analyst Committee and approved18 by the board.19 (5) The successful completion of a nationally recognized examination20 related to the principles and practice of the profession of applied behavior21 analysis administered by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board or its22 successor and/or equivalent reviewed by the Licensed Behavior Analyst23 Committee and approved by the board.24 (6) The successful completion of a jurisprudence examination covering25 the laws and rules governing the practice of behavior analysis in Louisiana26 reviewed by the Licensed Behavior Analyst Committee and approved by the27 board. Once the jurisprudence examination is successfully completed,28 candidates may pay the licensure fee and be granted a licensed to practice29 SB NO. 185 SLS 12RS-531 ORIGINAL Page 5 of 17 Coding: Words which are struck through are deletions from existing law; words in boldface type and underscored are additions. applied behavior analysis in Louisiana.1 (7) Maintains active status and fulfills all requirements for renewal and2 recertification with the Behavior Analysis Certification Board as a board3 certified behavior analyst and/or other certifying board as reviewed by the4 Licensed Behavior Analyst Committee and approved by the board.5 (8) Conducts his professional activities in accordance with accepted6 standards, including the Guidelines for Responsible Conduct for Behavior7 Analysts and Professional Disciplinary Standards of the Behavior Analyst8 Certification Board or other national professional organizations as reviewed9 by the Licensed Behavior Analyst Committee and approved by the board.10 (9) Has not been subject to disciplinary suspension or revocation by the11 Behavior Analyst Certification Board, for violation of the professional12 disciplinary and ethical standards.13 B. Applied behavior analyst applicants who have suspended licenses by14 the board may reapply after three years.15 C. Until August 1, 2013, an applicant who has graduated with a doctoral16 or master's degree from a regionally accredited university and who holds the17 board certified behavior analyst certificate from the Behavior Analyst18 Certification Board will be eligible to be granted status as a licensed behavior19 analyst. Thereafter, applications must meet the requirements noted above in20 this Section.21 §1360.86. Issuance and renewal of license22 A. The board shall issue a license to any person who meets the23 qualifications provided in this Part and the rules and regulations of the board,24 and who pays the applicable fees fixed by the board.25 B. A license issued under provisions of this Part shall be subject to26 annual renewal and shall expire and become null and void unless renewed in the27 manner prescribed by the board and recommended by the Licensed Behavior28 Analyst Committee.29 SB NO. 185 SLS 12RS-531 ORIGINAL Page 6 of 17 Coding: Words which are struck through are deletions from existing law; words in boldface type and underscored are additions. C. License renewal shall require documentation of completion of the1 continuing education required by this Part.2 §1360.87. Reinstatement of license3 A. Any license suspended, revoked, or otherwise restricted by the board4 may be reinstated by the board based upon recommendations by the Licensed5 Behavior Analyst Committee.6 B. A license that has expired without renewal for a7 period of one year from the date of expiration may be8 reinstated by the board upon recommendation from the9 Licensed Behavior Analyst Committee provided the10 applicant is otherwise eligible under the provisions of11 this Part, pays the applicable fees, satisfies the12 continuing education requirement, and such other13 requirements as may be established by the board based on14 recommendation by the Licensed Behavior Analyst15 Committee.16 §1360.88. Licensed Behavior Analyst Committee17 A. The Licensed Behavior Analyst Committee shall be established by the18 board for the purpose of reviewing and recommending action on application for19 licensure and relicensure, recommending educational and training20 requirements, establishing a professional code of conduct, recommending21 changes in related statutes and rules, as well as other activities as may be22 requested by the board or activities provided in this Part.23 B. The Licensed Behavior Analyst Committee shall consist of two24 certified and licensed behavior analysts and one licensed psychologist approved25 by the executive board of the Louisiana Association for Behavior Analysis.26 (1) The two certified behavior analysts, who shall become licensed once27 this Part becomes effective, shall be appointed by the Louisiana Association for28 Behavior Analysis.29 (2) The licensed psychologist shall be appointed by the Louisiana State30 SB NO. 185 SLS 12RS-531 ORIGINAL Page 7 of 17 Coding: Words which are struck through are deletions from existing law; words in boldface type and underscored are additions. Board of Examiners of Psychologists.1 (3) The chair of the board shall serve as an ex officio, non-voting member2 of the committee; however, the chair may vote in cases of a tie vote.3 C. Members of the committee shall serve at the pleasure of the board. A4 vacancy in an unexpired term shall be filled in the manner of the original5 appointment.6 D. The committee may meet as needed but shall meet at least quarterly.7 A majority of the members of the committee shall constitute a quorum for the8 transaction of all business.9 E. Members of the committee shall serve without compensation but shall10 be reimbursed for reasonable travel expenses incurred in attendance at11 meetings and other official business on behalf of the committee or the board.12 §1360.89. Continuing education13 A. A licensed behavior analyst shall annually complete a minimum of14 twelve hours of continuing education relevant to the practice of behavior15 analyst.16 B. To qualify under the requirements within this Part, all continuing17 education classes shall be approved by the Licensed Behavior Analyst18 Committee.19 §1360.90. Fees20 The board under its authority established within R.S. 37:2351 et seq.,21 shall fix fees in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act for the22 purpose of administering the provisions of this Part.23 §1360.91. Causes for refusal to issue, suspension, or revocation of license24 A. Upon the recommendation of the Licensed Behavior Analyst25 Committee, the board may refuse to issue any license required under this26 Chapter for any cause or any combination of causes stated in this Section. The27 Licensed Behavior Analyst Committee shall give written notice of the reasons28 for the refusal.29 SB NO. 185 SLS 12RS-531 ORIGINAL Page 8 of 17 Coding: Words which are struck through are deletions from existing law; words in boldface type and underscored are additions. B. Upon the recommendation of the Licensed Behavior Analyst1 Committee, the board may suspend or revoke any license or impose2 probationary or other restrictions on any license under this Part for the3 following causes:4 (1) Conviction of a felony or nolo contendere plea or conviction of any5 crime or offense of or relating to the practice of applied behavioral analysis.6 (2) Knowingly make or present , or cause to be made or presented, any7 false, fraudulent, or forged statement, writing, certificate, diploma, or other8 thing, in connection with an application for a license or permit.9 (3) Refusing to appear before the Licensed Behavior Analyst Committee10 after having been duly ordered to do so in writing by a duly authorized agent11 of the board as a result of the Licensed Behavior Analyst Committee12 recommendation.13 (4) Habitual or recurring abuse of drugs, including alcohol, which affects14 the central nervous system, and which is capable of inducing physiological or15 psychological dependence.16 (5) Refusing to submit to the examinations and inquiry of an examining17 committee of physicians appointed or designated by the board to inquire into18 an applicant or licensee's physical and mental fitness and ability to practice19 applied behavior analysis with reasonable skill and safety to patients.20 (6) Impersonating another licensed practitioner or any person holding21 a certificate of registration of authority, permit, or license or allowing any22 person to use his or her certificate or authority, permit, license or diploma from23 any school.24 (7) Incompetence, including but not limited to a person who has been25 unable to practice applied behavior analysis to acceptable and prevailing26 standards of care by reason of mental or physical illness or other condition,27 including but not limited to physical deterioration that adversely affects28 cognitive, motor, or perceptive skills.29 SB NO. 185 SLS 12RS-531 ORIGINAL Page 9 of 17 Coding: Words which are struck through are deletions from existing law; words in boldface type and underscored are additions. (8)Voluntary or involuntary commitment or interdiction by due process1 of law.2 (9) Failing to self-report in writing to the Licensed Behavior Analyst3 Committee any personal action which constitutes a violation of the Part within4 thirty days of the occurrence.5 (10) Soliciting patients or self-promoting through advertising or6 communication, public or private, which is fraudulent, false, deceptive, or7 misleading.8 (11) Making or submitting false, deceptive, or unfounded claims, reports,9 or opinions to any patient, insurance company or indemnity association,10 company, individual, or government authority for the purpose of obtaining11 anything of economic value.12 (12) Soliciting, accepting, or receiving anything of economic value in13 return for and based on referral of patients to another person, firm, or14 corporation.15 (13) Engaging in dishonorable, unethical or unprofessional conduct of16 a character likely to deceive, defraud, or harm the public or any member17 thereof.18 (14) Continuing or recurring practice which fails to satisfy the prevailing19 and usually accepted standards of the practice of applied behavior analysis.20 (15) Gross, willful, and continued overcharging for professional services.21 (16) Abandoning a patient by failure to make reasonable efforts to plan22 for facilitating care in the event that behavior analytic services are interrupted23 by factors such as the behavior analyst's illness, impending death,24 unavailability, or relocation or by the patient's relocation or financial25 limitations.26 (17) Knowingly performing any act which, in any way, assists an27 unqualified person to practice applied behavior analysis, or having professional28 connection with or lending one's name to an illegal practitioner.29 SB NO. 185 SLS 12RS-531 ORIGINAL Page 10 of 17 Coding: Words which are struck through are deletions from existing law; words in boldface type and underscored are additions. (18) Violating ethical codes of conduct as promulgated by the American1 Psychological Association or the Guidelines for Responsible Conduct for2 Behavior Analysts or violating any code of ethics adopted in the rules and3 regulations of the board as developed by the Licensed Behavior Analyst4 Committee, or other immoral, unprofessional, or dishonorable conduct as5 defined in the rules and regulations of the board.6 (19) Practicing applied behavior analysis in such a manner as to7 endanger the welfare of patients, including but not limited to:8 (a) Harassment, intimidation, or abuse, sexual or otherwise, of a patient.9 (b) Engaging in any sexual contact with a patient.10 (c) Gross malpractice, repeated malpractice, or gross negligence in the11 practice of applied behavior analysis.12 (20) Using of untruthful, deceptive, or improbable statements concerning13 the licensee's qualifications or the effects or results of proposed treatment,14 including functioning outside one's professional competence established by15 education, training, and experience.16 (21) Exercising undue influence in such a manner as to exploit the17 patient for financial or other personal advantage to the practitioner or a third18 party.19 (22) Refusal of a licensing authority of another state to issue or renew a20 license, permit, or certificate to practice applied behavior analysis in that state21 or the revocation or suspension, or other restriction imposed on a license,22 permit, or certificate issued by such licensing authority which prevents or23 restricts practice in that state, or the surrender of a license, permit or certificate24 issued by another state when criminal or administrative charges are pending or25 threatened against the holder of such license, permit, or certificate.26 (23) Any suspension or revocation of certification by the certification27 board would vacate licensure in this state.28 C. The board may, as a probationary condition, or as a condition of the29 SB NO. 185 SLS 12RS-531 ORIGINAL Page 11 of 17 Coding: Words which are struck through are deletions from existing law; words in boldface type and underscored are additions. reinstatement of any license or certificate suspended or revoked hereunder,1 require the license or certificate holder to pay all costs of the board proceedings,2 including investigator, stenographer, and attorney fees, and to pay a fine not to3 exceed five thousand dollars.4 D. The board's final decision in an adjudication proceeding conducted5 pursuant to this Section other than by consent or, agreement or other informal6 disposition, shall constitute a public record, and the board may disclose and7 provide such final decision to any person, firm, or corporation or to the public8 generally. The board's disposition of an adjudication proceeding by consent9 order shall not constitute a public record, but the board shall have authority10 and discretion to disclose such disposition.11 E. No judicial order staying or enjoining the effectiveness or enforcement12 of a final decision or order in a adjudication proceeding, whether issued13 pursuant to R.S. 49:964(C) or otherwise, shall be effective, beyond the earlier14 if either:15 (1) One hundred twenty days from the date on which the board's16 decision or order was rendered.17 (2) The date on which a court of competent jurisdiction enters judgment18 in a proceeding for judicial review of the board's decision or order issued19 pursuant to R.S. 49:964.20 F. Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, no judicial order21 staying, enjoining, or continuing and adjudication proceeding before, or a22 preliminary, procedural, or intermediate decision, ruling, order, or action of,23 the board shall be effective, whether pursuant to R.S. 49:964 or otherwise, prior24 to the exhausting of all administrative remedies and issuance of a final decision25 by the board.26 G. No order staying or enjoining a final decision or order of the board27 shall be issued unless the district court finds that the applicant or petitioner has28 established that the issuance of the stay does neither of the following:29 SB NO. 185 SLS 12RS-531 ORIGINAL Page 12 of 17 Coding: Words which are struck through are deletions from existing law; words in boldface type and underscored are additions. (1) Threaten harm to other interested parties, including individuals for1 whom the applicant or petitioner may render applied behavior analysis services.2 (2) Constitute a threat to the health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of3 this state.4 H. No stay of a final decision or order of the board shall be granted ex5 parte. The court shall schedule a hearing request for a stay order within ten6 days from filing of the request. The court's decision to either grant or deny the7 stay order shall be rendered within five days at the conclusion of the hearing.8 §1360.92. Persons and practices not affected9 The provisions of this Part shall not be construed as prohibiting or10 restricting the practice of any of the following:11 A. An "ABA direct contact therapist" acting only under the extended12 authority and direction of a licensed behavior analyst or appropriately trained13 psychologist to provide behavior analysis services. 14 B. A licensed professional who is not a behavior analyst, so long as the15 licensed professional does not represent that he is a behavior analyst or16 qualified to provide applied behavior analysis, and so long as the services of the17 licensed professional are specified within the scope of the practice of the18 licensing law governing the licensed professional and the services performed are19 commensurate with the licensed professional's formal university training and20 supervised experience.21 C. The practice of applied behavior analysis expressly excludes22 psychological testing, neuropsychology, psychotherapy, cognitive therapy,23 psychoanalysis, hypnotherapy, diagnosis of mental or emotional disorders, and24 long-term counseling as treatment modalities.25 §1360.93. Injunctive proceedings26 A. The board may investigate any evidence or allegation which appears27 to show that any person is or may be in violation of any provision of this Part.28 B. The board may apply for an injunction in any court of competent29 SB NO. 185 SLS 12RS-531 ORIGINAL Page 13 of 17 Coding: Words which are struck through are deletions from existing law; words in boldface type and underscored are additions. jurisdiction to enjoin any person from committing any act which is in violation1 of this Part.2 C. If it is established that the defendant has been or is committing an act3 which is in violation of this Part, the court shall enter a decree perpetually4 enjoining the defendant from further committing the act or acts.5 D. In case of violation of any injunction issued under the provisions of6 this Section, the court may summarily try and punish the offender for contempt7 of court.8 E. Such injunctive proceedings shall be in addition to, and not in lieu of,9 all penalties and other remedies as provided in this Part.10 §1360.94. Penalties11 A. It shall be a misdemeanor for any individual:12 (1) Not licensed under this Part to represent himself as a licensed13 behavior analyst.14 (2) Not licensed under this Part to engage in the practice of behavior15 analysis.16 (3) To represent himself as a medical psychologists during the time that17 his license as a behavior analyst shall be suspended or revoked or lapse.18 (4) To otherwise violate this Part.19 B. Such misdemeanor shall be punishable upon conviction by20 imprisonment for not more than six months, or by a fine of not less than one21 hundred dollars nor more than five hundred dollars, or both. Each violation is22 deemed a separate offense.23 C. Such misdemeanor shall be prosecuted by the district attorney of the24 judicial district in which the offense was committed.25 §1360.95. Access to files26 The Licensed Behavior Analyst Committee shall make available to the27 board all files relating to behavior analysts practicing within the state.28 * * *29 SB NO. 185 SLS 12RS-531 ORIGINAL Page 14 of 17 Coding: Words which are struck through are deletions from existing law; words in boldface type and underscored are additions. §2353. State board of examiners; organization; duties; meetings; fees1 * * *2 C. The board is authorized and empowered to:3 (7) Act on the powers and duties provided to the board by R.S. 4 37:1360.81 through 1360.95.5 * * *6 Section 2. This Act shall become effective upon signature by the governor or, if not7 signed by the governor, upon expiration of the time for bills to become law without signature8 by the governor, as provided by Article III, Section 18 of the Constitution of Louisiana. If9 vetoed by the governor and subsequently approved by the legislature, this Act shall become10 effective on the day following such approval.11 The original instrument and the following digest, which constitutes no part of the legislative instrument, were prepared by Christopher D. Adams. DIGEST Proposed law provides for the Board Certified Behavioral Analyst Practice Act. Proposed law provides for the licensure of behavioral analysts and places the practice of behavioral analytics under the Louisiana State Board of Examiners of Psychologists. Proposed law provides the Louisiana State Board of Examiners of Psychologists the powers and duties to license and regulate the profession of behavioral analysts. The Louisiana State Board of Examiners of Psychologists will have all powers and duties granted to it under R.S. 37:2351 et seq., and shall have, in addition, the authority to: (1)Establish and publish standards of applied behavior analysis practice in accordance with those developed and accepted by the profession represented by such organizations as the Behavior Analysis Certification Board, Association for Behavior Analysis International and/or others deemed appropriate by the Licensed Behavior Analyst Committee ("committee") and approved by the board. (2)Approve, deny, revoke, suspend, renew and reinstate licensure of duly qualified applicants based on the recommendation of the committee and approved by the board. (3)Adopt, revise, and enforce orders, rules, and regulations for licensure and renewal as recommended by the committee to ensure the competency of applicants, the protection of the public, and proper administration of this Part in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act. (4)Conduct hearings on charges calling for the denial, suspension, revocation, or refusal to renew a license with a designee from the committee present. Such designee shall be appointed as needed by the chair of the board. SB NO. 185 SLS 12RS-531 ORIGINAL Page 15 of 17 Coding: Words which are struck through are deletions from existing law; words in boldface type and underscored are additions. Proposed law provides license requirements for behavioral analysts. Licensure requirements include: (1)Submit to the board a completed application form approved by the committee. (2)Pay all necessary licensure fees. (3)Hold a master's degree or doctoral degree from a regionally accredited college or university with approved course sequence of the behavior analyst certification board or its successor and/or equivalent reviewed by the committee and approved by the board. (4)The successful completion of an approved or supervised experience in the practice of applied behavior analysis as an approved experiential sequence of the behavior analyst certification board or its successor and/or equivalent reviewed by the committee and approved by the board. (5)The successful completion of a nationally recognized examination related to the principles and practice of the profession of applied behavior analysis administered by the behavior analyst certification board or its (6)The successful completion of a jurisprudence examination covering the laws and rules governing the practice of behavior analysis in Louisiana reviewed by the committee and approved by the board. Once the jurisprudence examination is successfully completed, candidates may pay the licensure fee and be granted a licensed to practice applied behavior analysis in Louisiana. (7)Maintains active status and fulfills all requirements for renewal and recertification with the behavior analysis certification board as a board certified behavior analyst and/or other certifying board as reviewed by the committee and approved by the board. (8)Conducts his professional activities in accordance with accepted standards, including the Guidelines for Responsible Conduct for Behavior Analysts and Professional Disciplinary Standards of the Behavior Analyst Certification Board or other national professional organization as reviewed by the committee and approved by the board. (9)Has not been subject to disciplinary suspension or revocation by the behavior analyst certification board, for violation of the professional disciplinary and ethical standards. Proposed law provides for the issuance and renewal of licenses for behavioral analysts. Proposed law provides for the reinstatement of licenses for behavioral analysts. Proposed law provides for the Licensed Behavior Analyst Committee. Provides the committee shall be established by the board for the purpose of reviewing and recommending action on application for licensure and relicensure, recommending educational and training requirements, establishing a professional code of conduct, recommending changes in related statutes and rules, as well as other activities as may be requested by the board or activities provided in proposed law. Proposed law provides the committee shall consist of two certified and licensed behavior analysts and one licensed (1)The two certified behavior analysts, who shall become licensed once proposed law becomes effective, shall be appointed by the Louisiana Association for Behavior Analysis. SB NO. 185 SLS 12RS-531 ORIGINAL Page 16 of 17 Coding: Words which are struck through are deletions from existing law; words in boldface type and underscored are additions. (2)The licensed psychologist shall be appointed by the Louisiana State Board of Examiners of Psychologists. (3)The chair of the board shall serve as an ex officio, non-voting member of the committee; however, the chair may vote in cases of a tie vote. Members of the committee shall serve at the pleasure of the board. A vacancy in an unexpired term shall be filled in a manner of the original appointment. Proposed law provides the committee may meet as needed but shall meet at least quarterly, and a majority of the members of the committee shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of all business. Further provides the members of the committee shall serve without compensation but shall be reimbursed for reasonable travel expenses incurred in attendance at meetings and other official business on behalf of the committee or the board. Proposed law provides licensed behavioral analysts shall annually complete a minimum of twelve hours of committee-approved continuing education classes. Proposed law provides the board the authority to fix certain fees through the Administrative Procedure Act. Proposed law provides for the causes for refusal to issue, the suspension of, or the revocation of a license by the board based on the recommendation of the committee. Proposed law provides the provisions of this Part shall not be construed as prohibiting or restricting the practice of any of the following: (1)An "ABA direct contact therapist" acting only under the extended authority and direction of a licensed behavior analyst or appropriately trained psychologist to provide behavior analysis services. (2)A licensed professional who is not a behavior analyst, so long as the licensed professional does not represent that he is a behavior analyst or qualified to provide applied behavior analysis, and so long as the services of the licensed professional are specified within the scope of the practice of the licensing law governing the licensed professional and the services performed are commensurate with the licensed professional's formal university training and supervised experience. (3)The practice of applied behavior analysis expressly excludes psychological testing, neuropsychology, psychotherapy, cognitive therapy, psychoanalysis, hypnotherapy, diagnosis of mental or emotional disorders, and long-term counseling as treatment modalities. Proposed law provides the board the authority to seek injunctive relief through the courts. Proposed law provides penalties for any individual: (1)Not licensed under proposed law to represent himself as a licensed behavior analyst. (2)Not licensed under proposed law to engage in the practice of behavior analysis. (3)To represent himself as a medical psychologists during the time that his license as a behavior analyst shall be suspended or revoked or lapse. (4)To otherwise violate proposed law. Proposed law provides such misdemeanor shall be punishable upon conviction by imprisonment for not more than six months, or by a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $500, or both. Each violation is deemed a separate offense. Proposed law provides such SB NO. 185 SLS 12RS-531 ORIGINAL Page 17 of 17 Coding: Words which are struck through are deletions from existing law; words in boldface type and underscored are additions. misdemeanor shall be prosecuted by the district attorney of the judicial district in which the offense was committed. Proposed law requires the committee to make available to the board all files relating to behavior analysts practicing within the state. Effective upon signature of the governor or lapse of time for gubernatorial action. (Adds R.S. 37:1360.81 through 1360.95 and 2353(C)(7))