Florida Association for Behavior Analysis’ Response
The Florida Association for Behavior Analysis (FABA) today commended the state Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) for issuing a temporary moratorium on the enrollment of new behavior analysis providers in Miami-Dade and Broward counties. The issue of Medicaid fraud and abuse is something that board-certified behavior analysts take very seriously, and FABA is grateful that AHCA is aggressively investigating and prosecuting fraudulent providers.
For years, FABA has warned that Florida’s relatively minimal requirements to be enrolled as a behavior analysis provider could lead to fraudulent providers who put profits ahead of patients. However, as cases of fraud in the field of behavior analysis continue to increase, AHCA’s moratorium is a significant and important step that will both promote and protect the health, safety, and well-being of thousands of patients across Florida.
More than half of all states currently require some type of licensure for behavior analysts, but Florida is not one of them. Legislation attempting to create a pathway to licensure has been brought before Florida lawmakers multiple times, but has fallen short each time.
“Behavior analysis professionals work very closely with people facing challenging situations, including children who have autism and other developmental disorders,” said Dr. Jon Bailey, a FABA board member who has practiced and taught behavior analysis for more than 45 years. “Our clients place their trust in our skill and expertise, so it is imperative for Florida to ensure that those caring for them have the right training and experience.”
While Florida does not offer licensure, the state does recognize board-certified providers who pass an exam and meet certain educational requirements. This certification helps distinguish qualified professionals from those who are not certified, although the voluntary process still allows some untrained or inexperienced individuals to practice behavior analysis.
The best way for parents, educators, and others to know whether a behavior analyst is truly qualified is to find out if they are Board Certified.
FABA will continue to work with AHCA and provide information as the agency continues investigating fraudulent providers and identifying ways to reduce abuse within the behavior analysis profession.
For more information about the Florida Association for Behavior Analysis, visit FABAWorld.org.
