Virginia Regulatory Town Hall
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Department of Health Professions
 
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Board of Medicine
 
chapter
Regulations Governing the Practice of Behavior Analysis [18 VAC 85 ‑ 150]

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6/19/18  2:17 pm
Commenter: Christine D. Evanko

Behavior Analysis Regs Comments
 

As a Licensed Behavior Analyst practicing in the Commonwealth of Virginia, I respectfully ask the Board of Medicine to consider the following recommendations for revisions in the "Regulations Governing the Practice of Behavior Analysis” that appear at https://www.dhp.virginia.gov/medicine/medicine_laws_regs.htm:

 

1. Make current certification by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) the main requirement for obtaining, renewing, and reinstating licenses for Licensed Behavior Analysts and Licensed Assistant Behavior Analysts.

 RATIONALE: The requirements for obtaining and maintaining BACB certifications have been derived from multiple, extensive job analysis studies conducted by the BACB over the past 20 years to identify the competencies required to practice behavior analysis professionally, the training required to develop those competencies, and the content of the professional examinations to evaluate knowledge of the subject matter. Those studies have involved thousands of professional behavior analysts. The requirements also reflect case law and best practices in professional credentialing. The BACB repeats the job analysis study every few years and changes the certification requirements and exam content accordingly. It also periodically updates its Professional and Ethical Compliance Code for Behavior Analysts as well as its supervision and continuing education standards. Requiring verification of current BACB certification to renew a Virginia license will ensure that all Licensed Behavior Analysts and Licensed Assistant Behavior Analysts in the Commonwealth meet the international standards set by the profession even as those standards change over time. It also ensures that the Virginia licensing requirements have sound empirical and legal foundations, and that the behavior analyst licensure program is operated in a cost-effective manner, because the BOM will need only verify that an applicant for renewal is certified by the BACB in good standing by going to this link: https://www.bacb.com/verify-certification/. Failing to require current BACB certification in order to renew or reinstate a license, on the other hand, would create two categories of licensees: one (initial licensees) comprising individuals who meet  the international standards of the profession and one (renewing or reinstated licensees) that does not. That would mislead consumers, employers, and funders and put vulnerable consumers at risk of receiving services from unqualified individuals.  

 

2. Require licensees who supervise Licensed Assistant Behavior Analysts and unlicensed personnel to be approved as supervisors by the BACB.     

RATIONALE: The BACB has specific requirements for those who supervise Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analysts and Registered Behavior Technicians, including completion of competency-based training and continuing education in supervision and standards regarding the quantity, quality, and documentation of supervision activities (see https://www.bacb.com/requirements-for-supervisorshttps://www.bacb.com/supervision-resources/, andhttps://www.bacb.com/wp-content/uploads/161216-standards-for-supervision-of-BCaBAs.pdf). As with other BACB standards, those have been set by the profession. Supervisors and supervisees who are credentialed by the BACB must comply with those requirements in order to maintain their credentials, so Virginia Licensed Behavior Analysts and Licensed Assistant Behavior Analysts who fail to comply with them are at risk of losing their BACB credentials and therefore of violating the Virginia licensure law. Incorporating the BACB supervision requirements into the Virginia licensure regulations by reference will prevent that and ensure that the supervision practices of LBAs and LABAs meet the profession’s standards.   

 

3. Add a provision similar to that in the athletic trainers regulations to allow applicants for licensure who are certified by the BACB to practice under supervision while their licensure application is being processed. 

RATIONALE: With certification by the BACB as the main requirement for licensure, applicants will have met the degree, coursework, and supervised experiential training requirements set by the profession and will have passed the only psychometrically and legally validated professional examinations in the practice of behavior analysis that are available. There is nothing about having the license in hand that renders them more qualified to practice than they were when they applied for the license. At present, however,Virginia service provider organizations often find themselves in the situation where they have employees who have attained BACB certification but must stop serving consumers for two months while they wait for their licensure application to be processed. That restricts consumer access to ABA services, which remain in high demand in the Commonwealth. That problem could be alleviated by allowing applicants for licensure to practice under the supervision of Licensed Behavior Analysts during the interim between submission of their application and issuance of their license.

 

Thank you for your consideration.

CommentID: 65428
 

6/20/18  3:45 pm
Commenter: Kristina Turner

Considerations for review
 

As a Licensed Behavior Analyst practicing in the Commonwealth of Virginia, I respectfully ask the Board of Medicine to consider the following recommendations for revisions in the “Regulations Governing the Practice of Behavior Analysis” that appear at https://www.dhp.virginia.gov/medicine/medicine_laws_regs.htm:

1. Make current certification by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) the main requirement for obtaining, renewing, and reinstating licenses for Licensed Behavior Analysts and Licensed Assistant Behavior Analysts.

 RATIONALE: The requirements for obtaining and maintaining BACB certifications have been derived from multiple, extensive job analysis studies conducted by the BACB over the past 20 years to identify the competencies required to practice behavior analysis professionally, the training required to develop those competencies, and the content of the professional examinations to evaluate knowledge of the subject matter. Those studies have involved thousands of professional behavior analysts. The requirements also reflect case law and best practices in professional credentialing. The BACB repeats the job analysis study every few years and changes the certification requirements and exam content accordingly. It also periodically updates its Professional and Ethical Compliance Code for Behavior Analysts as well as its supervision and continuing education standards. Requiring verification of current BACB certification to renew a Virginia license will ensure that all Licensed Behavior Analysts and Licensed Assistant Behavior Analysts in the Commonwealth meet the international standards set by the profession even as those standards change over time. It also ensures that the Virginia licensing requirements have sound empirical and legal foundations, and that the behavior analyst licensure program is operated in a cost-effective manner, because the BOM will need only verify that an applicant for renewal is certified by the BACB in good standing by going to this link: https://www.bacb.com/verify-certification/. Failing to require current BACB certification in order to renew or reinstate a license, on the other hand, would create two categories of licensees: one (initial licensees) comprising individuals who meet  the international standards of the profession and one (renewing or reinstated licensees) that does not. That would mislead consumers, employers, and funders and put vulnerable consumers at risk of receiving services from unqualified individuals.

2. Require licensees who supervise Licensed Assistant Behavior Analysts and unlicensed personnel to be approved as supervisors by the BACB.    

RATIONALE: The BACB has specific requirements for those who supervise Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analysts and Registered Behavior Technicians, including completion of competency-based training and continuing education in supervision and standards regarding the quantity, quality, and documentation of supervision activities (see https://www.bacb.com/requirements-for-supervisorshttps://www.bacb.com/supervision-resources/, andhttps://www.bacb.com/wp-content/uploads/161216-standards-for-supervision-of-BCaBAs.pdf). As with other BACB standards, those have been set by the profession. Supervisors and supervisees who are credentialed by the BACB must comply with those requirements in order to maintain their credentials, so Virginia Licensed Behavior Analysts and Licensed Assistant Behavior Analysts who fail to comply with them are at risk of losing their BACB credentials and therefore of violating the Virginia licensure law. Incorporating the BACB supervision requirements into the Virginia licensure regulations by reference will prevent that and ensure that the supervision practices of LBAs and LABAs meet the profession’s standards.

3. Add a provision similar to that in the athletic trainers regulations to allow applicants for licensure who are certified by the BACB to practice under supervision while their licensure application is being processed. 

RATIONALE: With certification by the BACB as the main requirement for licensure, applicants will have met the degree, coursework, and supervised experiential training requirements set by the profession and will have passed the only psychometrically and legally validated professional examinations in the practice of behavior analysis that are available. There is nothing about having the license in hand that renders them more qualified to practice than they were when they applied for the license. At present, however,Virginia service provider organizations often find themselves in the situation where they have employees who have attained BACB certification but must stop serving consumers for two months while they wait for their licensure application to be processed. That restricts consumer access to ABA services, which remain in high demand in the Commonwealth. That problem could be alleviated by allowing applicants for licensure to practice under the supervision of Licensed Behavior Analysts during the interim between submission of their application and issuance of their license.

Thank you for your consideration.

CommentID: 65452
 

6/24/18  4:58 pm
Commenter: CHRISTINA MACOMBER

Comment for Consideration
 

As a Licensed Behavior Analyst practicing in the Commonwealth of Virginia, I respectfully ask the Board of Medicine to consider the following recommendations for revisions in the “Regulations Governing the Practice of Behavior Analysis” that appear at https://www.dhp.virginia.gov/medicine/medicine_laws_regs.htm:

1. Make current certification by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) the main requirement for obtaining, renewing, and reinstating licenses for Licensed Behavior Analysts and Licensed Assistant Behavior Analysts.

 RATIONALE: The requirements for obtaining and maintaining BACB certifications have been derived from multiple, extensive job analysis studies conducted by the BACB over the past 20 years to identify the competencies required to practice behavior analysis professionally, the training required to develop those competencies, and the content of the professional examinations to evaluate knowledge of the subject matter. Those studies have involved thousands of professional behavior analysts. The requirements also reflect case law and best practices in professional credentialing. The BACB repeats the job analysis study every few years and changes the certification requirements and exam content accordingly. It also periodically updates its Professional and Ethical Compliance Code for Behavior Analysts as well as its supervision and continuing education standards. Requiring verification of current BACB certification to renew a Virginia license will ensure that all Licensed Behavior Analysts and Licensed Assistant Behavior Analysts in the Commonwealth meet the international standards set by the profession even as those standards change over time. It also ensures that the Virginia licensing requirements have sound empirical and legal foundations, and that the behavior analyst licensure program is operated in a cost-effective manner, because the BOM will need only verify that an applicant for renewal is certified by the BACB in good standing by going to this link: https://www.bacb.com/verify-certification/. Failing to require current BACB certification in order to renew or reinstate a license, on the other hand, would create two categories of licensees: one (initial licensees) comprising individuals who meet  the international standards of the profession and one (renewing or reinstated licensees) that does not. That would mislead consumers, employers, and funders and put vulnerable consumers at risk of receiving services from unqualified individuals.

2. Require licensees who supervise Licensed Assistant Behavior Analysts and unlicensed personnel to be approved as supervisors by the BACB.    

RATIONALE: The BACB has specific requirements for those who supervise Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analysts and Registered Behavior Technicians, including completion of competency-based training and continuing education in supervision and standards regarding the quantity, quality, and documentation of supervision activities (see https://www.bacb.com/requirements-for-supervisorshttps://www.bacb.com/supervision-resources/, andhttps://www.bacb.com/wp-content/uploads/161216-standards-for-supervision-of-BCaBAs.pdf). As with other BACB standards, those have been set by the profession. Supervisors and supervisees who are credentialed by the BACB must comply with those requirements in order to maintain their credentials, so Virginia Licensed Behavior Analysts and Licensed Assistant Behavior Analysts who fail to comply with them are at risk of losing their BACB credentials and therefore of violating the Virginia licensure law. Incorporating the BACB supervision requirements into the Virginia licensure regulations by reference will prevent that and ensure that the supervision practices of LBAs and LABAs meet the profession’s standards.

3. Add a provision similar to that in the athletic trainers regulations to allow applicants for licensure who are certified by the BACB to practice under supervision while their licensure application is being processed. 

RATIONALE: With certification by the BACB as the main requirement for licensure, applicants will have met the degree, coursework, and supervised experiential training requirements set by the profession and will have passed the only psychometrically and legally validated professional examinations in the practice of behavior analysis that are available. There is nothing about having the license in hand that renders them more qualified to practice than they were when they applied for the license. At present, however,Virginia service provider organizations often find themselves in the situation where they have employees who have attained BACB certification but must stop serving consumers for two months while they wait for their licensure application to be processed. That restricts consumer access to ABA services, which remain in high demand in the Commonwealth. That problem could be alleviated by allowing applicants for licensure to practice under the supervision of Licensed Behavior Analysts during the interim between submission of their application and issuance of their license.

Thank you for your consideration.

xt and enter your comments here. You are limited to approximately 3000 words.

CommentID: 65507
 

6/25/18  8:53 am
Commenter: Justin Creech

Comment on Behavior Analysis Regulations
 

As a Licensed Behavior Analyst practicing in the Commonwealth of Virginia, I respectfully ask the Board of Medicine to consider the following recommendations for revisions in the “Regulations Governing the Practice of Behavior Analysis” that appear at https://www.dhp.virginia.gov/medicine/medicine_laws_regs.htm:

1. Make current certification by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) the main requirement for obtaining, renewing, and reinstating licenses for Licensed Behavior Analysts and Licensed Assistant Behavior Analysts.

 RATIONALE: The requirements for obtaining and maintaining BACB certifications have been derived from multiple, extensive job analysis studies conducted by the BACB over the past 20 years to identify the competencies required to practice behavior analysis professionally, the training required to develop those competencies, and the content of the professional examinations to evaluate knowledge of the subject matter. Those studies have involved thousands of professional behavior analysts. The requirements also reflect case law and best practices in professional credentialing. The BACB repeats the job analysis study every few years and changes the certification requirements and exam content accordingly. It also periodically updates its Professional and Ethical Compliance Code for Behavior Analysts as well as its supervision and continuing education standards. Requiring verification of current BACB certification to renew a Virginia license will ensure that all Licensed Behavior Analysts and Licensed Assistant Behavior Analysts in the Commonwealth meet the international standards set by the profession even as those standards change over time. It also ensures that the Virginia licensing requirements have sound empirical and legal foundations, and that the behavior analyst licensure program is operated in a cost-effective manner, because the BOM will need only verify that an applicant for renewal is certified by the BACB in good standing by going to this link: https://www.bacb.com/verify-certification/. Failing to require current BACB certification in order to renew or reinstate a license, on the other hand, would create two categories of licensees: one (initial licensees) comprising individuals who meet  the international standards of the profession and one (renewing or reinstated licensees) that does not. That would mislead consumers, employers, and funders and put vulnerable consumers at risk of receiving services from unqualified individuals.

2. Require licensees who supervise Licensed Assistant Behavior Analysts and unlicensed personnel to be approved as supervisors by the BACB.    

RATIONALE: The BACB has specific requirements for those who supervise Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analysts and Registered Behavior Technicians, including completion of competency-based training and continuing education in supervision and standards regarding the quantity, quality, and documentation of supervision activities (see https://www.bacb.com/requirements-for-supervisorshttps://www.bacb.com/supervision-resources/, andhttps://www.bacb.com/wp-content/uploads/161216-standards-for-supervision-of-BCaBAs.pdf). As with other BACB standards, those have been set by the profession. Supervisors and supervisees who are credentialed by the BACB must comply with those requirements in order to maintain their credentials, so Virginia Licensed Behavior Analysts and Licensed Assistant Behavior Analysts who fail to comply with them are at risk of losing their BACB credentials and therefore of violating the Virginia licensure law. Incorporating the BACB supervision requirements into the Virginia licensure regulations by reference will prevent that and ensure that the supervision practices of LBAs and LABAs meet the profession’s standards.

3. Add a provision similar to that in the athletic trainers regulations to allow applicants for licensure who are certified by the BACB to practice under supervision while their licensure application is being processed. 

RATIONALE: With certification by the BACB as the main requirement for licensure, applicants will have met the degree, coursework, and supervised experiential training requirements set by the profession and will have passed the only psychometrically and legally validated professional examinations in the practice of behavior analysis that are available. There is nothing about having the license in hand that renders them more qualified to practice than they were when they applied for the license. At present, however,Virginia service provider organizations often find themselves in the situation where they have employees who have attained BACB certification but must stop serving consumers for two months while they wait for their licensure application to be processed. That restricts consumer access to ABA services, which remain in high demand in the Commonwealth. That problem could be alleviated by allowing applicants for licensure to practice under the supervision of Licensed Behavior Analysts during the interim between submission of their application and issuance of their license.

Thank you for your consideration.

CommentID: 65511
 

6/25/18  7:16 pm
Commenter: Keith Richardson

For your consideration
 

https://law.lis.virginia.gov/admincode/title18/agency85/chapter150/section130/

https://law.lis.virginia.gov/admincode/title18/agency85/chapter150/section120/

https://law.lis.virginia.gov/admincode/title18/agency85/chapter150/section150/

?Under the aforemention sections  please amend or add the following

?1.)Please make available a copy of any written agreement between licensed supervisor and unlicensed supervisee
to any client (or responsible party) that requests it

?2.) Have available upon inspection have client records available in regards to any individual practitioner that 
happens to be employed by a health care institution, educational institution, school system, or other entity
if they [pracitioner] does not  maintain? or own the records in accordance  with the policies and procedures of the employing entity.

 

CommentID: 65521
 

6/27/18  9:39 am
Commenter: Joshua Farrow, Paragon Autism Services

Request to add a provision to current regulations
 

Add a provision to the regulations that will allow applicants for licensure who are certified by the BACB to practice under the guidance and supervision of an LBA while their licensure application is being processed. 

Currently certification by the BACB is the main requirement for licensure in the Commonwealth of Virginia.  Applicants who are certified by the BACB have met all coursework standards, supervision standards and degree standards that are required to become licensed in the commonwealth of Virginia.  Applicants have passed a rigorous exam that demonstrates their ability to competently practice ABA. Furthermore, applicants follow a rigorous ethical code whereby the applicant is responsible for adhering to the legal and ethical codes of their professional community. By allowing applicants to work under the supervision and direction of an LBA the commonwealth can ensure that applicants are providing services that “in the judgment of the licensed behavior analyst, the task or procedures can be properly and safely performed… and the delegation does not jeopardize the health or safety of the client.” 

The current practice of waiting for licensure hinders the access of treatment for clients and harms small business.  Currently in some parts of Virginia potential clients are placed on waiting lists for up to 12 months.  Allowing applicants to practice ABA under the supervision and delegation of an LBA will significantly shorten the wait time for potential clients.  Furthermore, the current licensure process takes 3-4 months. This long waiting periods makes it difficult to recruit and hire BCBAs and BCaBAs who are not currently licensed by the Board of Medicine, thus negatively impacting the growth of small businesses. 

CommentID: 65539
 

6/27/18  9:41 am
Commenter: Nicole Jinier

Comment for consideration
 

Add a provision to the regulations that will allow applicants for licensure who are certified by the BACB to practice under the guidance and supervision of an LBA while their licensure application is being processed. 

Currently certification by the BACB is the main requirement for licensure in the Commonwealth of Virginia.  Applicants who are certified by the BACB have met all coursework standards, supervision standards and degree standards that are required to become licensed in the commonwealth of Virginia.  Applicants have passed a rigorous exam that demonstrates their ability to competently practice ABA. Furthermore, applicants follow a rigorous ethical code whereby the applicant is responsible for adhering to the legal and ethical codes of their professional community. By allowing applicants to work under the supervision and direction of an LBA the commonwealth can ensure that applicants are providing services that “in the judgment of the licensed behavior analyst, the task or procedures can be properly and safely performed… and the delegation does not jeopardize the health or safety of the client.” 

The current practice of waiting for licensure hinders the access of treatment for clients and harms small business.  Currently in some parts of Virginia potential clients are placed on waiting lists for up to 12 months.  Allowing applicants to practice ABA under the supervision and delegation of an LBA will significantly shorten the wait time for potential clients.  Furthermore, the current licensure process takes 3-4 months. This long waiting periods makes it difficult to recruit and hire BCBAs and BCaBAs who are not currently licensed by the Board of Medicine, thus negatively impacting the growth of small businesses. 

 

 

CommentID: 65540
 

6/27/18  9:53 am
Commenter: Tressa Tomei

Comment for your consideration
 

 

Add a provision to the regulations that will allow applicants for licensure who are certified by the BACB to practice under the guidance and supervision of an LBA while their licensure application is being processed. 

Currently certification by the BACB is the main requirement for licensure in the Commonwealth of Virginia.  Applicants who are certified by the BACB have met all coursework standards, supervision standards and degree standards that are required to become licensed in the commonwealth of Virginia.  Applicants have passed a rigorous exam that demonstrates their ability to competently practice ABA. Furthermore, applicants follow a rigorous ethical code whereby the applicant is responsible for adhering to the legal and ethical codes of their professional community. By allowing applicants to work under the supervision and direction of an LBA the commonwealth can ensure that applicants are providing services that “in the judgment of the licensed behavior analyst, the task or procedures can be properly and safely performed… and the delegation does not jeopardize the health or safety of the client.” 

The current practice of waiting for licensure hinders the access of treatment for clients and harms small business.  Currently in some parts of Virginia potential clients are placed on waiting lists for up to 12 months.  Allowing applicants to practice ABA under the supervision and delegation of an LBA will significantly shorten the wait time for potential clients.  Furthermore, the current licensure process takes 3-4 months. This long waiting periods makes it difficult to recruit and hire BCBAs and BCaBAs who are not currently licensed by the Board of Medicine, thus negatively impacting the growth of small businesses. 

 

CommentID: 65541
 

6/27/18  10:47 am
Commenter: Sarah Treacy, Paragon Autism Services

Add a provision
 

Add a provision to the regulations that will allow applicants for licensure who are certified by the BACB to practice under the guidance and supervision of an LBA while their licensure application is being processed. 

Currently certification by the BACB is the main requirement for licensure in the Commonwealth of Virginia.  Applicants who are certified by the BACB have met all coursework standards, supervision standards and degree standards that are required to become licensed in the commonwealth of Virginia.  Applicants have passed a rigorous exam that demonstrates their ability to competently practice ABA. Furthermore, applicants follow a rigorous ethical code whereby the applicant is responsible for adhering to the legal and ethical codes of their professional community. By allowing applicants to work under the supervision and direction of an LBA the commonwealth can ensure that applicants are providing services that “in the judgment of the licensed behavior analyst, the task or procedures can be properly and safely performed… and the delegation does not jeopardize the health or safety of the client.” 

The current practice of waiting for licensure hinders the access of treatment for clients and harms small business.  Currently in some parts of Virginia potential clients are placed on waiting lists for up to 12 months.  Allowing applicants to practice ABA under the supervision and delegation of an LBA will significantly shorten the wait time for potential clients.  Furthermore, the current licensure process takes 3-4 months. This long waiting periods makes it difficult to recruit and hire BCBAs and BCaBAs who are not currently licensed by the Board of Medicine, thus negatively impacting the growth of small businesses. 

 

CommentID: 65544
 

6/27/18  11:50 am
Commenter: Amber Boozer

Add a provision
 

Add a provision to the regulations that will allow applicants for licensure who are certified by the BACB to practice under the guidance and supervision of an LBA while their licensure application is being processed. 

Currently certification by the BACB is the main requirement for licensure in the Commonwealth of Virginia.  Applicants who are certified by the BACB have met all coursework standards, supervision standards and degree standards that are required to become licensed in the commonwealth of Virginia.  Applicants have passed a rigorous exam that demonstrates their ability to competently practice ABA. Furthermore, applicants follow a rigorous ethical code whereby the applicant is responsible for adhering to the legal and ethical codes of their professional community. By allowing applicants to work under the supervision and direction of an LBA the commonwealth can ensure that applicants are providing services that “in the judgment of the licensed behavior analyst, the task or procedures can be properly and safely performed… and the delegation does not jeopardize the health or safety of the client.” 

The current practice of waiting for licensure hinders the access of treatment for clients and harms small business.  Currently in some parts of Virginia potential clients are placed on waiting lists for up to 12 months.  Allowing applicants to practice ABA under the supervision and delegation of an LBA will significantly shorten the wait time for potential clients.  Furthermore, the current licensure process takes 3-4 months. This long waiting periods makes it difficult to recruit and hire BCBAs and BCaBAs who are not currently licensed by the Board of Medicine, thus negatively impacting the growth of small businesses. 

 

CommentID: 65552
 

6/27/18  12:11 pm
Commenter: Adja B. Charlot

Add a provision
 

Add a provision to the regulations that will allow applicants for licensure who are certified by the BACB to practice under the guidance and supervision of an LBA while their licensure application is being processed. 

Currently certification by the BACB is the main requirement for licensure in the Commonwealth of Virginia.  Applicants who are certified by the BACB have met all coursework standards, supervision standards and degree standards that are required to become licensed in the commonwealth of Virginia.  Applicants have passed a rigorous exam that demonstrates their ability to competently practice ABA. Furthermore, applicants follow a rigorous ethical code whereby the applicant is responsible for adhering to the legal and ethical codes of their professional community. By allowing applicants to work under the supervision and direction of an LBA the commonwealth can ensure that applicants are providing services that “in the judgment of the licensed behavior analyst, the task or procedures can be properly and safely performed… and the delegation does not jeopardize the health or safety of the client.” 

The current practice of waiting for licensure hinders the access of treatment for clients and harms small business.  Currently in some parts of Virginia potential clients are placed on waiting lists for up to 12 months.  Allowing applicants to practice ABA under the supervision and delegation of an LBA will significantly shorten the wait time for potential clients.  Furthermore, the current licensure process takes 3-4 months. This long waiting periods makes it difficult to recruit and hire BCBAs and BCaBAs who are not currently licensed by the Board of Medicine, thus negatively impacting the growth of small businesses. 

CommentID: 65553
 

6/27/18  12:30 pm
Commenter: Emily Jett, Paragon Autism Services

Comment for consideration
 

Add a provision to the regulations that will allow applicants for licensure who are certified by the BACB to practice under the guidance and supervision of an LBA while their licensure application is being processed. 

Currently certification by the BACB is the main requirement for licensure in the Commonwealth of Virginia.  Applicants who are certified by the BACB have met all coursework standards, supervision standards and degree standards that are required to become licensed in the commonwealth of Virginia.  Applicants have passed a rigorous exam that demonstrates their ability to competently practice ABA. Furthermore, applicants follow a rigorous ethical code whereby the applicant is responsible for adhering to the legal and ethical codes of their professional community. By allowing applicants to work under the supervision and direction of an LBA the commonwealth can ensure that applicants are providing services that “in the judgment of the licensed behavior analyst, the task or procedures can be properly and safely performed… and the delegation does not jeopardize the health or safety of the client.” 

The current practice of waiting for licensure hinders the access of treatment for clients and harms small business.  Currently in some parts of Virginia potential clients are placed on waiting lists for up to 12 months.  Allowing applicants to practice ABA under the supervision and delegation of an LBA will significantly shorten the wait time for potential clients.  Furthermore, the current licensure process takes 3-4 months. This long waiting periods makes it difficult to recruit and hire BCBAs and BCaBAs who are not currently licensed by the Board of Medicine, thus negatively impacting the growth of small businesses.

CommentID: 65554
 

6/27/18  12:48 pm
Commenter: Katrina Bialecki, Paragon Autism Services

Please add a provision
 

Add a provision to the regulations that will allow applicants for licensure who are certified by the BACB to practice under the guidance and supervision of an LBA while their licensure application is being processed. 

Currently certification by the BACB is the main requirement for licensure in the Commonwealth of Virginia.  Applicants who are certified by the BACB have met all coursework standards, supervision standards and degree standards that are required to become licensed in the commonwealth of Virginia.  Applicants have passed a rigorous exam that demonstrates their ability to competently practice ABA. Furthermore, applicants follow a rigorous ethical code whereby the applicant is responsible for adhering to the legal and ethical codes of their professional community. By allowing applicants to work under the supervision and direction of an LBA the commonwealth can ensure that applicants are providing services that “in the judgment of the licensed behavior analyst, the task or procedures can be properly and safely performed… and the delegation does not jeopardize the health or safety of the client.” 

The current practice of waiting for licensure hinders the access of treatment for clients and harms small business.  Currently in some parts of Virginia potential clients are placed on waiting lists for up to 12 months.  Allowing applicants to practice ABA under the supervision and delegation of an LBA will significantly shorten the wait time for potential clients.  Furthermore, the current licensure process takes 3-4 months. This long waiting periods makes it difficult to recruit and hire BCBAs and BCaBAs who are not currently licensed by the Board of Medicine, thus negatively impacting the growth of small businesses. 

CommentID: 65555
 

6/27/18  1:21 pm
Commenter: Whitney Sandlin, Paragon Autism Services

Comment for your consideration
 

Add a provision to the regulations that will allow applicants for licensure who are certified by the BACB to practice under the guidance and supervision of an LBA while their licensure application is being processed.

Currently certification by the BACB is the main requirement for licensure in the Commonwealth of Virginia.  Applicants who are certified by the BACB have met all coursework standards, supervision standards and degree standards that are required to become licensed in the commonwealth of Virginia.  Applicants have passed a rigorous exam that demonstrates their ability to competently practice ABA. Furthermore, applicants follow a rigorous ethical code whereby the applicant is responsible for adhering to the legal and ethical codes of their professional community. By allowing applicants to work under the supervision and direction of an LBA the commonwealth can ensure that applicants are providing services that “in the judgment of the licensed behavior analyst, the task or procedures can be properly and safely performed… and the delegation does not jeopardize the health or safety of the client.” 

The current practice of waiting for licensure hinders the access of treatment for clients and harms small business.  Currently in some parts of Virginia potential clients are placed on waiting lists for up to 12 months.  Allowing applicants to practice ABA under the supervision and delegation of an LBA will significantly shorten the wait time for potential clients.  Furthermore, the current licensure process takes 3-4 months. This long waiting periods makes it difficult to recruit and hire BCBAs and BCaBAs who are not currently licensed by the Board of Medicine, thus negatively impacting the growth of small businesses. 

CommentID: 65556
 

6/27/18  1:49 pm
Commenter: Sydni Davis

Add A Provision
 

Currently certification by the BACB is the main requirement for licensure in the Commonwealth of Virginia.  Applicants who are certified by the BACB have met all coursework standards, supervision standards and degree standards that are required to become licensed in the commonwealth of Virginia.  Applicants have passed a rigorous exam that demonstrates their ability to competently practice ABA. Furthermore, applicants follow a rigorous ethical code whereby the applicant is responsible for adhering to the legal and ethical codes of their professional community. By allowing applicants to work under the supervision and direction of an LBA the commonwealth can ensure that applicants are providing services that “in the judgment of the licensed behavior analyst, the task or procedures can be properly and safely performed… and the delegation does not jeopardize the health or safety of the client.” 

The current practice of waiting for licensure hinders the access of treatment for clients and harms small business.  Currently in some parts of Virginia potential clients are placed on waiting lists for up to 12 months.  Allowing applicants to practice ABA under the supervision and delegation of an LBA will significantly shorten the wait time for potential clients.  Furthermore, the current licensure process takes 3-4 months. This long waiting periods makes it difficult to recruit and hire BCBAs and BCaBAs who are not currently licensed by the Board of Medicine, thus negatively impacting the growth of small businesses. 

CommentID: 65557
 

6/27/18  1:51 pm
Commenter: Yohana Asfaha, Paragon Autism Services

Add a Provision
 

Add a provision to the regulations that will allow applicants for licensure who are certified by the BACB to practice under the guidance and supervision of an LBA while their licensure application is being processed. 

Currently certification by the BACB is the main requirement for licensure in the Commonwealth of Virginia.  Applicants who are certified by the BACB have met all coursework standards, supervision standards and degree standards that are required to become licensed in the commonwealth of Virginia.  Applicants have passed a rigorous exam that demonstrates their ability to competently practice ABA. Furthermore, applicants follow a rigorous ethical code whereby the applicant is responsible for adhering to the legal and ethical codes of their professional community. By allowing applicants to work under the supervision and direction of an LBA the commonwealth can ensure that applicants are providing services that “in the judgment of the licensed behavior analyst, the task or procedures can be properly and safely performed… and the delegation does not jeopardize the health or safety of the client.” 

The current practice of waiting for licensure hinders the access of treatment for clients and harms small business.  Currently in some parts of Virginia potential clients are placed on waiting lists for up to 12 months.  Allowing applicants to practice ABA under the supervision and delegation of an LBA will significantly shorten the wait time for potential clients.  Furthermore, the current licensure process takes 3-4 months. This long waiting periods makes it difficult to recruit and hire BCBAs and BCaBAs who are not currently licensed by the Board of Medicine, thus negatively impacting the growth of small businesses. 

CommentID: 65558
 

6/27/18  2:44 pm
Commenter: Eleni Meister, Paragon Autism Services

Comment for consideration
 

Add a provision to the regulations that will allow applicants for licensure who are certified by the BACB to practice under the guidance and supervision of an LBA while their licensure application is being processed. 

Currently certification by the BACB is the main requirement for licensure in the Commonwealth of Virginia.  Applicants who are certified by the BACB have met all coursework standards, supervision standards and degree standards that are required to become licensed in the commonwealth of Virginia.  Applicants have passed a rigorous exam that demonstrates their ability to competently practice ABA. Furthermore, applicants follow a rigorous ethical code whereby the applicant is responsible for adhering to the legal and ethical codes of their professional community. By allowing applicants to work under the supervision and direction of an LBA the commonwealth can ensure that applicants are providing services that “in the judgment of the licensed behavior analyst, the task or procedures can be properly and safely performed… and the delegation does not jeopardize the health or safety of the client.” 

The current practice of waiting for licensure hinders the access of treatment for clients and harms small business.  Currently in some parts of Virginia potential clients are placed on waiting lists for up to 12 months.  Allowing applicants to practice ABA under the supervision and delegation of an LBA will significantly shorten the wait time for potential clients.  Furthermore, the current licensure process takes 3-4 months. This long waiting periods makes it difficult to recruit and hire BCBAs and BCaBAs who are not currently licensed by the Board of Medicine, thus negatively impacting the growth of small businesses. 

CommentID: 65565
 

6/27/18  2:44 pm
Commenter: Heather Niemiec

Add a pprovision
 
Add a provision to the regulations that will allow applicants for licensure who are certified by the BACB to practice under the guidance and supervision of an LBA while their licensure application is being processed. Currently certification by the BACB is the main requirement for licensure in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Applicants who are certified by the BACB have met all coursework standards, supervision standards and degree standards that are required to become licensed in the commonwealth of Virginia. Applicants have passed a rigorous exam that demonstrates their ability to competently practice ABA. Furthermore, applicants follow a rigorous ethical code whereby the applicant is responsible for adhering to the legal and ethical codes of their professional community. By allowing applicants to work under the supervision and direction of an LBA the commonwealth can ensure that applicants are providing services that “in the judgment of the licensed behavior analyst, the task or procedures can be properly and safely performed… and the delegation does not jeopardize the health or safety of the client.” The current practice of waiting for licensure hinders the access of treatment for clients and harms small business. Currently in some parts of Virginia potential clients are placed on waiting lists for up to 12 months. Allowing applicants to practice ABA under the supervision and delegation of an LBA will significantly shorten the wait time for potential clients. Furthermore, the current licensure process takes 3-4 months. This long waiting periods makes it difficult to recruit and hire BCBAs and BCaBAs who are not currently licensed by the Board of Medicine, thus negatively impacting the growth of small businesses.
CommentID: 65566
 

6/27/18  11:34 pm
Commenter: Megan Kokx, Paragon Autism Services

Add a provision
 

Add a provision to the regulations that will allow applicants for licensure who are certified by the BACB to practice under the guidance and supervision of an LBA while their licensure application is being processed. 

Currently certification by the BACB is the main requirement for licensure in the Commonwealth of Virginia.  Applicants who are certified by the BACB have met all coursework standards, supervision standards and degree standards that are required to become licensed in the commonwealth of Virginia.  Applicants have passed a rigorous exam that demonstrates their ability to competently practice ABA. Furthermore, applicants follow a rigorous ethical code whereby the applicant is responsible for adhering to the legal and ethical codes of their professional community. By allowing applicants to work under the supervision and direction of an LBA the commonwealth can ensure that applicants are providing services that “in the judgment of the licensed behavior analyst, the task or procedures can be properly and safely performed… and the delegation does not jeopardize the health or safety of the client.” 

The current practice of waiting for licensure hinders the access of treatment for clients and harms small business.  Currently in some parts of Virginia potential clients are placed on waiting lists for up to 12 months.  Allowing applicants to practice ABA under the supervision and delegation of an LBA will significantly shorten the wait time for potential clients.  Furthermore, the current licensure process takes 3-4 months. This long waiting periods makes it difficult to recruit and hire BCBAs and BCaBAs who are not currently licensed by the Board of Medicine, thus negatively impacting the growth of small businesses. 

CommentID: 65579