Originally published: . Volume 3, No. 9. Source pages: 1, 2, 3.
A third version of a bill to regulate applied behavior analysts by creating a committee structure within the state psychology board, SB 755, is to be heard today. The newest version includes licensure for behavior analysts (BAs), certification for assistant behavior analysts, a committee with members appointed by the governor, and provisions for an independent authority in the future. The earlier versions, SB 185 and SB 191, met with opposition from members of the Louisiana Association for Behavior Analysts, and others.
The original bill, Senate Bill 185, was heard in the Senate Commerce Committee on April 4. Testifying in support and to clarify supposed misunder- standings regarding its impact on the practice of BAs, were psychology board members Dr. John Courtney and Executive Director, Ms. Kelly Parker.
Courtney testified on a number of issues. He said, “The dilemma that we faced was that behavior analysts, specifically those that are practicing behavior analysis, are practicing a specific set of behaviors, or specific set of practices, that are already regulated.”
Ms. Parker spoke on a number of clarifications. Dr. Phil Griffin, current President of the Louisiana Psychological Association, also spoke in support of the bill.
Dr. Mary Elizabeth Christian, a Baton Rouge breast surgeon, a BA, and mother of an autistic child, spoke in opposition. She said she felt that there is a need for regulation, “… but that the financial and professional conflict creates a problem …” with psychology. She sug- gested putting BAs under the medical board.
The bill was deferred, but then Senator Claitor offered a substitute bill, SB 191, heard in the Senate Health and Welfare Committee on April 25.
Dr. Courtney, Ms. Parker, and Dr. Griffin spoke to clarify that the legislation would not shut down clinics, restrict services, or require BAs to obtain doctorates, or to be supervised by psychologists.
Dr. Cecilia Mouton, representing the state medical board testified. “It is our position that the behavior analysts are best licensed and regulated by the psychology board,” she said.
Also testifying in support were Dr. Lacey Seymour, Dr. Brian Esteve, both board certified BAs and licensed psychologists, and also Dr. Michael Chafetz and Dr. Robert Storer.
Ms. Melissa Juno, Executive Director of Baton Rouge Speech & Hearing spoke in favor of the bill, describing their work and how it connected with LSU psychology. “I believe that the most logical and best licensing board to work to establish licensure for ABAs is the Louisiana licensing board for psychology,” she said.
Thirty-one people signed cards to express opposition. Dr. Grant Gautreaux, Assistant Professor of Education at Nicholls State University and President of Louisiana Association of Behavior Analysts spoke against the bill stating his concerns about BAs being allowed eventual independence.
Dr. Michael Dorsey, a licensed psychologist from Massachusetts, testified next. “Many psychologists, many of my colleagues, believe that applied behavior analysis is in fact, somehow a subset of the field of psychology.” And, he said, “I will tell you that psychology and applied behavior analysis are two very different fields.”
Senator Heitmeier suggested looking at DHH to regulate the BAs. Dorsey said that the medical board has a track record of overseeing other professions and allowing them to be independent. “Nothing against the board of psychology,” he said, “but they don’t have that track record.”
Dr. Christian said, “I think this bill is essentially a hostile takeover of the behavior analysts by the psychologists.”
Charles Tubre from The Advocacy Center, a statewide organization serving those with disabilities, stated his concern about the bill. “This profession is an important, evidenced- based therapy, and Louisiana residents who desperately need it should not have their already difficult lives complicated by a needless layer of additional oversights …” He suggested taking more time to make sure citizens have no new burdens.
After further discussion, Senator Claitor indicated that the bill would be reported favorably, as amended, by substitute. Sen. Heitmeier said, “And just to make sure, you are going to work with DHH to look for language, to potentially put them under DHH, moving forward.” Sen. Claitor responded, “I’m going to work with DHH with the assistance of the Chairman (Heitmeier) ….” […] “But I don’t want it to be misinterpreted as a promise that I’m going to work to put this group under DHH.”
At the LPA convention on April 19, the psych- ology board held and open meeting. A group of about ten people from the ABA community attended and voiced their concerns about the legislation, recom- mended changes, and some said that they did not trust the board.
The Times contacted Dr. Robert Marier of the state medical board and asked about the matter. He noted an expectation that the BAs will be regulated by the psychology board.
LSBEP Executive Director Kelly Parker (L) and Chair Dr. Tony Young listen to discussion at the LPA meeting about bringing Behavioral Analysts under the state psychology board.
Mr. Kevin Hayes (front), governmental relations consultant to the LPA, reviews his notes before addressing members at the April LPA convention regarding legislative issues. Representative Tom Wilmont (background) also attended.
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