SB 103/HB 91 – Reduce Reg. To Help Children with Autism

Primary Senate Sponsors: Sen. Jim Perry (R-Lenoir, Wayne); Sen. Michael Lee (R-New Hanover); Sen. Lisa Barnes (R-Johnston, Nash)

Primary House Sponsors: Rep. John Bell, IV (R-Greene, Johnston, Wayne); Rep. Donny Lambeth (R-Forsyth); Rep. Kristin Baker (R-Cabarrus); Rep. Jason Saine (R-Lincoln)

Summary

This bill provides several new provisions related to the regulation of behavior analysts and assistant behavior analysts, including the following:

  • Defines “behavior analysis” as “[t]he design, implementation, and evaluation of systematic instructional and environmental modifications to produce significant personal or interpersonal improvements in human behavior.”
  • Defines the “practice of behavior analysis” as inclusive of the empirical identification of functional relations between behavior and environmental factors known as functional assessment and analysis. The definition specifically excludes psychological testing, cognitive therapy, sex therapy, psychoanalysis, hypnotherapy, and long-term counseling as treatment modalities.
  • Establishes the North Carolina Behavior Analysis Board and provides the Board certain powers and duties, including the ability to establish and determine qualification and fitness of applicants for licensure and to discipline licensed behavior analysts.
  • Requires the Board to submit an annual report summarizing its activities to the Governor.
  • Sets threshold requirements for licensure as a behavior analyst and as an assistant behavior analyst.
  • Requires the Board to provide reciprocity to an individual who is actively licensed as a behavior analyst or assistant behavior analyst in another state that currently imposes similar licensure requirements as in this State.
  • Provides a list of actions considered to be violations of a Code of Conduct and outlines the Board’s disciplinary process.
  • Exempts certain categories of professionals from required licensure.
  • Outlines the available protection for behavior analyst-client/behavior analyst-patient communications.

Movement

SB 103

Filed – 2/16/2021

HB 91

Filed – 2/16/2021