Oct. 23, 2019
HARRISBURG – Rep. Tom Mehaffie (R-Dauphin) and behavior analysts filled the Capitol Rotunda today to urge support of his bill to license these professionals.
Mehaffie is the sponsor of
House Bill 1900, which intends to expand applied behavior analysis (ABA) services in Pennsylvania and establish standards for those who claim to be qualified professionals. The Better Access to Treatment Act would create licensure for board-certified behavior analysts.
“This legislation has more than 100 co-sponsors and bipartisan support because it is a commonsense measure. Licensure would protect the public by helping those who need therapies from trained and qualified providers to address chronic conditions,” Mehaffie said.
Mehaffie expressed concerns about people claiming to practice ABA when they are not properly educated and experienced.
Thirty other states recognize behavior analysts with licensing.
“ABA improves outcomes for those with diagnoses like autism and post-traumatic stress disorder. Behavior analysts use science to focus on improving specific behaviors and developing skills through therapy, and decades of research show how effective applied behavior analysis is,” said Dr. Cheryl Tierney-Aves, president of the nonprofit, grassroots ABA in PA Initiative.
House Bill 1900 is before the House Professional Licensure Committee.
Representative Thomas Mehaffie
106th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Jennifer Fitch
717.260.6335
jfitch@pahousegop.com
RepMehaffie.com /
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