Zwicker & Downey Legislation Creating Licensure Board for Applied Behavior Analysts Heads to Governor

(TRENTON) – With an increasing demand for behavior analysts throughout the country – especially in New Jersey – Assembly Democrats have sponsored legislation to make licensure available and mandatory for these professionals. Upon passage of the bill (A-4608) in both the Assembly and Senate Monday, with a vote of 71-1-0 and 35-2 respectively, Assembly sponsors Andrew Zwicker (D-Somerset, Mercer, Middlesex, Hunterdon) and Joann Downey (D-Monmouth) released the following joint statement:

“Applied behavior analysts (ABAs) offer a valuable service to their patients by scientifically determining what modifications could be made to improve behavioral outcomes. An ABA’s recommendations and interventions can help both children and adults who have been diagnosed with autism or other mental health disorders, in areas such as social skills and communication, and address other behavioral concerns.

“New Jersey has a responsibility to ensure that any healthcare professionals operating within our state are both competent and qualified. By creating a State Board of Behavior Analyst Examiners to license certified ABAs, we would be doing just that.

“This legislation will help families feel more secure in knowing the services their loved ones receive from an ABA are backed by both experience and licensure requirements. It will also help ABAs indicate the legitimacy of their services to the many individuals who can benefit from them.”