Tex. OCC Code § 506.001. SHORT TITLE.
This chapter may be cited as the Behavior Analyst Licensing Act.
Added by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1156 (S.B. 589 ), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2017.
BEHAVIOR ANALYSTS
Tex. OCC Code ch. 506
in effectTex. OCC Code § 506.002. DEFINITIONS.
In this chapter:
(1) "Advisory board" means the Behavior Analyst Advisory Board.
(2) "Certifying entity" means the nationally accredited Behavior Analyst Certification Board or another entity that is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies or the American National Standards Institute to issue credentials in the professional practice of applied behavior analysis and approved by the department.
(3) "Commission" means the Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation.
(4) "Department" means the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.
(5) "Executive director" means the executive director of the department.
(6) "License holder" means a person licensed under this chapter.
(7) "Licensed assistant behavior analyst" means a person who is certified by the certifying entity as a Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst or who has an equivalent certification issued by the certifying entity and who meets the requirements specified by Sections 506.252 and 506.254 .
(8) "Licensed behavior analyst" means a person who is certified by the certifying entity as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst or a Board Certified Behavior Analyst--Doctoral or who has an equivalent certification issued by the certifying entity and who meets the requirements specified by Sections 506.252 and 506.253 .
(9) "Physician" means a person licensed to practice medicine by the Texas Medical Board.
Added by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1156 (S.B. 589 ), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2017.
Tex. OCC Code § 506.003. PRACTICE OF APPLIED BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS.
(a) The practice of applied behavior analysis is the design, implementation, and evaluation of instructional and environmental modifications to produce socially significant improvements in human behavior.
(b) The practice of applied behavior analysis includes the empirical identification of functional relations between behavior and environmental factors, known as functional assessment or functional analysis.
(c) Applied behavior analysis interventions:
(1) are based on scientific research and the direct observation and measurement of behavior and environment; and
(2) use contextual factors, motivating operations, antecedent stimuli, positive reinforcement, and other procedures to help individuals develop new behaviors, increase or decrease existing behaviors, and elicit or evoke behaviors under specific environmental conditions.
(d) The practice of applied behavior analysis does not include:
(1) psychological testing, psychotherapy, cognitive therapy, psychoanalysis, hypnotherapy, or counseling as treatment modalities; or
(2) the diagnosis of disorders.
Added by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1156 (S.B. 589 ), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2017.
SUBCHAPTER B. APPLICATION OF CHAPTER; USE OF TITLE
Tex. OCC Code § 506.051. LICENSED PSYCHOLOGISTS.
This chapter does not apply to a person licensed to practice psychology in this state if the applied behavior analysis services provided are within the scope of the licensed psychologist's education, training, and competence.
Added by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1156 (S.B. 589 ), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2017.
Tex. OCC Code § 506.052. OTHER LICENSED PROFESSIONALS.
This chapter does not apply to a person licensed to practice another profession in this state if the applied behavior analysis services provided are within:
(1) the scope of practice of the person's license under state law; and
(2) the scope of the person's education, training, and competence.
Added by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1156 (S.B. 589 ), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2017.
Tex. OCC Code § 506.053. FAMILY MEMBERS AND GUARDIANS.
This chapter does not apply to a family member or guardian of a recipient of applied behavior analysis services who is implementing a behavior analysis treatment plan for the recipient under the extended authority and direction of a licensed behavior analyst or licensed assistant behavior analyst.
Added by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1156 (S.B. 589 ), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2017.
Tex. OCC Code § 506.054. PARAPROFESSIONALS.
This chapter does not apply to a paraprofessional technician who delivers applied behavior analysis services if:
(1) the applied behavior analysis services are provided under the extended authority and direction of a licensed behavior analyst or licensed assistant behavior analyst; and
(2) the person is designated as an "applied behavior analysis technician," "behavior technician," "tutor," or "front-line therapist."
Added by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1156 (S.B. 589 ), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2017.
Tex. OCC Code § 506.055. STUDENTS, INTERNS, AND FELLOWS.
This chapter does not apply to an applied behavior analysis activity or service of a college or university student, intern, or fellow if:
(1) the activity or service is part of a defined behavior analysis program of study, course, practicum, internship, or postdoctoral fellowship;
(2) the activity or service is directly supervised by a licensed behavior analyst or an instructor in a course sequence approved by the certifying entity; and
(3) the person is designated as a "student," "intern," "fellow," or "trainee."
Added by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1156 (S.B. 589 ), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2017.
Tex. OCC Code § 506.056. SUPERVISED EXPERIENCE.
This chapter does not apply to an unlicensed person pursuing supervised experience in applied behavior analysis if the supervised experience is consistent with the requirements of the certifying entity and commission rules.
Added by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1156 (S.B. 589 ), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2017.
Tex. OCC Code § 506.057. TEMPORARY SERVICES OF BEHAVIOR ANALYST FROM ANOTHER STATE.
(a) This chapter does not apply to a behavior analyst licensed in another jurisdiction or certified by the certifying entity if the activities and services conducted in this state:
(1) are within the behavior analyst's customary area of practice;
(2) are conducted not more than 20 days in a calendar year; and
(3) are not otherwise in violation of this chapter.
(b) A behavior analyst described by Subsection (a) shall inform the recipient of applied behavior analysis services, or a parent or guardian of the recipient if the recipient is under 18 years of age, that:
(1) the behavior analyst is not licensed in this state; and
(2) the activities and services provided by the behavior analyst are time-limited.
Added by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1156 (S.B. 589 ), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2017.
Tex. OCC Code § 506.058. TEACHER OR EMPLOYEE OF SCHOOL DISTRICT.
(a) This chapter does not apply to a teacher or employee of a private or public school who provides applied behavior analysis services if the teacher or employee is performing duties within the scope of the teacher's or employee's employment.
(b) A person described by Subsection (a) may not:
(1) represent that the person is a behavior analyst, unless the applied behavior analysis services provided are within the person's education, training, and competence;
(2) offer applied behavior analysis services to any person, other than within the scope of the person's employment duties for the school; or
(3) receive compensation for providing applied behavior analysis services, other than the compensation that the person receives from the person's school employer.
Added by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1156 (S.B. 589 ), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2017.
Tex. OCC Code § 506.059. PERSONS WHO DO NOT PROVIDE DIRECT SERVICES.
(a) This chapter does not apply to a person who:
(1) is a behavior analyst who practices with nonhumans, including an applied animal behaviorist or an animal trainer;
(2) teaches behavior analysis or conducts behavior analytic research if the teaching or research activities do not involve the delivery or supervision of applied behavior analysis services; or
(3) is a professional who provides general applied behavior analysis services to organizations if those services:
(A) are for the benefit of the organization; and
(B) do not involve direct services to individuals.
(b) A person described by Subsection (a) may use the title "behavior analyst."
Added by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1156 (S.B. 589 ), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2017.
SUBCHAPTER C. BEHAVIOR ANALYST ADVISORY BOARD
Tex. OCC Code § 506.101. ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERSHIP.
(a) The advisory board is composed of nine members appointed by the presiding officer of the commission with the approval of the commission as follows:
(1) four licensed behavior analysts, at least one of whom must be certified as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst--Doctoral or hold an equivalent certification issued by the certifying entity;
(2) one licensed assistant behavior analyst;
(3) one physician who has experience providing mental health or behavioral health services; and
(4) three members who represent the public and who are either former recipients of applied behavior analysis services or the parent or guardian of a current or former recipient of applied behavior analysis services.
(b) To be qualified for appointment under Subsection (a)(1), a person must have at least five years of experience as a licensed behavior analyst after being certified by the certifying entity.
(c) Appointments to the advisory board shall be made without regard to the race, color, disability, sex, religion, age, or national origin of the appointee.
Added by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1156 (S.B. 589 ), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2017.
Tex. OCC Code § 506.102. DUTIES OF ADVISORY BOARD.
The advisory board shall provide advice and recommendations to the department on technical matters relevant to the administration of this chapter.
Added by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1156 (S.B. 589 ), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2017.
Tex. OCC Code § 506.103. TERMS; VACANCY.
(a) Members of the advisory board serve staggered six-year terms.
(b) Repealed by Acts 2025, 89th Leg., R.S., Ch. 871 (S.B. 2075 ), Sec. 62(1), eff. September 1, 2025.
(c) If a vacancy occurs during a member's term, the presiding officer of the commission, with the commission's approval, shall appoint a replacement who meets the qualifications for the vacant position to serve for the remainder of the term.
Added by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1156 (S.B. 589 ), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2017.
Tex. OCC Code § 506.104. PRESIDING OFFICER.
The presiding officer of the commission shall designate a member of the advisory board to serve as the presiding officer of the advisory board for a term of two years. The presiding officer of the advisory board may vote on any matter before the advisory board.
Added by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1156 (S.B. 589 ), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2017.
Tex. OCC Code § 506.106. GROUNDS FOR REMOVAL.
A member of the advisory board may be removed as provided by Section 51.209 .
Added by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1156 (S.B. 589 ), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2017.
Tex. OCC Code § 506.107. COMPENSATION; REIMBURSEMENT.
(a) A member of the advisory board may not receive compensation for service on the advisory board.
(b) A member of the advisory board is entitled to reimbursement for actual and necessary expenses incurred in performing functions as a member of the advisory board, subject to any applicable limitation on reimbursement provided by the General Appropriations Act.
Added by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1156 (S.B. 589 ), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2017.
SUBCHAPTER D. POWERS AND DUTIES
Tex. OCC Code § 506.151. GENERAL POWERS AND DUTIES.
(a) The commission shall adopt rules consistent with this chapter for the administration and enforcement of this chapter.
(b) The department shall:
(1) administer and enforce this chapter;
(2) evaluate the qualifications of license applicants;
(3) provide for the examination of license applicants;
(4) issue licenses;
(5) in connection with a hearing under this chapter, issue subpoenas, examine witnesses, and administer oaths under the laws of this state; and
(6) investigate persons engaging in practices that violate this chapter.
(c) The commission or executive director may deny, revoke, or suspend a license or may otherwise discipline a license holder in accordance with Section 51.353 .
Added by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1156 (S.B. 589 ), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2017.
Tex. OCC Code § 506.152. STANDARDS OF ETHICAL PRACTICE.
The commission shall adopt rules under this chapter that establish standards of ethical practice.
Added by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1156 (S.B. 589 ), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2017.
Tex. OCC Code § 506.153. ASSISTANCE FILING COMPLAINT.
The department, in accordance with Section 51.252 , shall provide reasonable assistance to a person who wishes to file a complaint with the department regarding a person or activity regulated under this chapter.
Added by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1156 (S.B. 589 ), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2017.
Tex. OCC Code § 506.154. FEES.
The commission by rule shall set fees in amounts reasonable and necessary to cover the costs of administering this chapter.
Added by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1156 (S.B. 589 ), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2017.
SUBCHAPTER E. PUBLIC INTEREST INFORMATION
AND COMPLAINT PROCEDURES
Tex. OCC Code § 506.201. TELEPHONE NUMBER FOR COMPLAINTS.
The department shall list with its regular telephone number any toll-free telephone number established under other state law that may be called to present a complaint about a health professional.
Added by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1156 (S.B. 589 ), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2017.
SUBCHAPTER F. LICENSE REQUIREMENTS
Tex. OCC Code § 506.251. LICENSE REQUIRED.
(a) Except as provided by Subchapter B, a person may not engage in the practice of applied behavior analysis unless the person holds a license under this chapter.
(b) A person may not use the title "licensed behavior analyst" or "licensed assistant behavior analyst," as appropriate, unless the person is licensed under this chapter.
(c) Except as provided by Subchapter B, a person may not use the title "behavior analyst" unless the person is licensed under this chapter.
Added by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1156 (S.B. 589 ), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2017.
Tex. OCC Code § 506.252. LICENSE APPLICATION.
Each applicant for a license under this chapter must submit an application and the required fees to the department. The application must include sufficient evidence, as defined by commission rules, that the applicant has successfully completed a state-approved criminal background check.
Added by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1156 (S.B. 589 ), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2017.
Tex. OCC Code § 506.253. REQUIREMENTS FOR LICENSED BEHAVIOR ANALYST.
An applicant for a license as a licensed behavior analyst must present evidence to the department that the applicant:
(1) is currently certified by the certifying entity as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst or a Board Certified Behavior Analyst--Doctoral or an equivalent certification issued by the certifying entity;
(2) has met the educational requirements of the Board Certified Behavior Analyst standard or the Board Certified Behavior Analyst--Doctoral standard or an equivalent standard adopted by the certifying entity;
(3) has passed the Board Certified Behavior Analyst examination, or an equivalent examination offered by the certifying entity, in applied behavior analysis;
(4) is in compliance with all professional, ethical, and disciplinary standards established by the certifying entity; and
(5) is not subject to any disciplinary action by the certifying entity.
Added by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1156 (S.B. 589 ), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2017.
Tex. OCC Code § 506.254. REQUIREMENTS FOR LICENSED ASSISTANT BEHAVIOR ANALYST.
An applicant for a license as a licensed assistant behavior analyst must present evidence to the department that the applicant:
(1) is currently certified by the certifying entity as a Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst or an equivalent certification issued by the certifying entity;
(2) has met the educational requirements of the Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst standard or an equivalent standard adopted by the certifying entity;
(3) has passed the Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst examination, or an equivalent examination offered by the certifying entity, in applied behavior analysis;
(4) is in compliance with all professional, ethical, and disciplinary standards established by the certifying entity;
(5) is not subject to any disciplinary action by the certifying entity; and
(6) is currently supervised by a licensed behavior analyst in accordance with the requirements of the certifying entity.
Added by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1156 (S.B. 589 ), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2017.
Tex. OCC Code § 506.255. ISSUANCE OF LICENSE.
The department shall issue a license as a licensed behavior analyst or a licensed assistant behavior analyst, as appropriate, to an applicant who:
(1) complies with the requirements of this chapter;
(2) meets any additional requirements the commission establishes by rule; and
(3) pays the required fees.
Added by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1156 (S.B. 589 ), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2017.
Tex. OCC Code § 506.256. RECIPROCITY.
(a) The department shall issue a license to a person who is currently licensed as a behavior analyst or as an assistant behavior analyst from another state or jurisdiction that imposes licensure requirements similar to those specified in this chapter.
(b) An applicant for a reciprocal license shall:
(1) submit evidence to the department that the applicant:
(A) is in good standing as determined by the department;
(B) holds a valid license from another state or jurisdiction; and
(C) is in compliance with other requirements established by Section 506.252 , 506.253 , 506.254 , or 506.255 , as appropriate; and
(2) pay the required fees.
Added by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1156 (S.B. 589 ), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2017.
Tex. OCC Code § 506.257. RETIREMENT STATUS.
The commission by rule may adopt a system for placing a person licensed under this chapter on retirement status.
Added by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1156 (S.B. 589 ), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2017.
SUBCHAPTER G. LICENSE RENEWAL
Tex. OCC Code § 506.301. LICENSE EXPIRATION.
A license issued under this chapter expires on the second anniversary of the date of issuance.
Added by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1156 (S.B. 589 ), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2017.
Tex. OCC Code § 506.302. LICENSE RENEWAL.
Before the expiration of a license, a license may be renewed by:
(1) submitting an application for renewal;
(2) paying the renewal fee imposed by the commission; and
(3) providing verification to the department of continued certification by the certifying entity, which signifies that the applicant for renewal has met any continuing education requirements established by the certifying entity.
Added by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1156 (S.B. 589 ), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2017.
SUBCHAPTER H. LICENSE DENIAL AND DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES
Tex. OCC Code § 506.351. GROUNDS FOR LICENSE DENIAL AND DISCIPLINARY ACTION.
After a hearing, the commission or executive director may deny a license to an applicant, suspend or revoke a person's license, or place on probation a license holder if the applicant or license holder:
(1) violates this chapter, a commission rule, or an order of the commission or the executive director;
(2) obtains a license by means of fraud, misrepresentation, or concealment of a material fact;
(3) sells, barters, or offers to sell or barter a license; or
(4) engages in unprofessional conduct that:
(A) endangers or is likely to endanger the health, welfare, or safety of the public as defined by commission rule; or
(B) violates the code of ethics adopted and published by the commission.
Added by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1156 (S.B. 589 ), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2017.
SUBCHAPTER I. ENFORCEMENT PROCEDURES
Tex. OCC Code § 506.401. ENFORCEMENT PROCEEDINGS.
The commission, department, or executive director may enforce this chapter, a rule adopted under this chapter, or an order of the commission or executive director as provided by Subchapters F and G, Chapter 51 .
Added by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1156 (S.B. 589 ), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2017.