Article archive / December 1, 2012
Originally published: . Volume 4, No. 4. Source pages: 4.
Four presentations at the December 2, 2012 meeting of the ABA Study Commission included representatives of the parent group, Chair and Vice Chair, Munn and Morrell, the president of the Louisiana of the Louisiana Behavior Analysis Association (LABAA) and Nicholls State U. professor Dr. Grant Gautreaux. Also Dr. Lacey Seymour, psychologist and certified BA presented for the Louisiana Psychological Association, and LSBEP Executive Director, Ms. Kelly Parker, presented for the state psychology board.
Munn and Morrell noted advantages of BA being under an established board, such as the “apprenticeship” relationship and the availability of professional staff.
They described what they view as disadvantages of being under the state psychology board, including an “… economic conflict of interest” and “mistrust/antagonistic relationship.” They listed that psychology is not covered in the current statue (Foil’s Bill, [Act 648, 2008]), and noted that this creates an economic incentive for psychologists to be in charge of BAs.
They also noted that the LSBEP “Invited parents to town hall meeting and in the first few minutes, laid out step by step how they would shut down services if their bill didn’t pass.”
Munn and Morrell also noted “psychologists lobbied to be on this commission at the same time asking the Attorney General if they have the authority to write cease and desist orders.”
Munn and Morrell outlined how the LPC board could provide a structure where BAs have a voice, with two BAs added to the eleven-member LPC board.
Dr. Grant Gautreaux presented the option of an independent board, stating that the “… best outcomes for practitioners and consumers will occur when issues related to the practice of ABA are regulated by BAs.”
In the presentation he noted that behavior analysis is a “distinct scientific discipline, separate from psychology and other disciplines. It originated in experimental—not clinical— psychology, but developed its own conceptualizations, principles, research methods, and scientific literature.” He noted that behavior analysis was developed by B.F. Skinner.
And he noted that the national board states that BA certification is not a psychological certification. And, he said that the profession of BA meets and exceeds the criteria for a distinct discipline.
Gautreaux also noted that problems with the state psychology board involved a “hostile environment laden with threats.” He proposed an independent structure with seven members with board certified behavior analysts and assistants and public members.
Ms. Kelly Parker, Executive Director of the LSBEP, presented an “umbrella” structure under the psychology board. She noted that applied behavior analysis is both a method of psychology and included along with other practices, such as behavior modification, and behavior therapy, in the current Louisiana practice act for psychology.
She noted, “… behavior intervention skills of ABA have broad application potential beyond Autism.”
She presented economic information regarding the costs of boards, and also descriptions from other states, noting that the LSBEP has agreed to BA’s requested industry standards and also to the commission’s recommendations. She also indicated that the arrangement would be temporary. She emphasized that the arrangement would not affect services or require a psychologist to be “involved in your child’s treatment.”
Dr. Lacey Seymour, psychologist and board certified BA, presented for the Louisiana Psychological Association. She described the definition of psychology, “Psychology is the study of the mind and behavior,” and “The discipline embraces all aspects of human experience …” She noted that Division 25 of the American Psychological Association is Behavior Analysis. And, she noted, that licensed psychologists are exposed to “principles of behaviorism” although not all are qualified to practice all methods.
Seymour noted to the members that there are about 59 nationally certified BAs in Louisiana who are not assistants, 15 of those hold PhDs in psychology. She also noted that there are many psychologists who practice behavior analysis who have chosen not to obtain the national certification, and listed several.
She concluded, “… having a subcommittee under psychology will assist in fostering a collaborative relationship …” and “working together will allow everyone involved to continue to provide valuable services to the populations mentioned above without conflict from another board.”
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