Establish a Licensure Board for Behavior Analysts in Florida


Establish a Licensure Board for Behavior Analysts in Florida
The Issue
Join me in calling for the establishment of a Licensure Board for Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA's) in Florida to ensure only qualified, ethical, and thoroughly vetted individuals are allowed to work in this vital field. Currently in Florida, the field of behavior analysis is regulated by external government agencies, which lack the expertise and understanding of the unique demands and qualifications necessary for this profession.
Forty-three other states already have self-regulation in place, thus enhancing the professionalism and credibility of the field within the state. It's time for Florida to recognize the importance of allowing those who are versed in behavior analysis to lead its regulation and oversight.
Currently, decisions about who can work in behavior analysis despite having a criminal record are made by entities that are not directly involved in the field. This can lead to inconsistent and uninformed decisions that may not reflect the standards and ethics of behavior analysis, limiting consumer access to high-quality providers and therefore potentially putting consumers at risk. The national Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB), on the other hand, is equipped with the expertise necessary to evaluate who is fit to work as a behavior analyst, even in cases of past disqualifying offenses.
The demand for Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA's) is high as the services they provide have been proven to produce desired behavioral changes for various populations using ethical evidence-based approaches. Therefore, only those who truly understand the intricacies of behavior analysis should have the authority to regulate the profession and make important decisions regarding exemptions for individuals under Florida statute 435.07. Establishing a licensure board specific to Florida's BCBA's will not only ensure that standards are upheld, but also provide a more consistent and understanding approach to evaluating potential behavioral analysts.
Please sign this petition and help us advocate for a more informed and consistent regulatory process.
20
The Issue
Join me in calling for the establishment of a Licensure Board for Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA's) in Florida to ensure only qualified, ethical, and thoroughly vetted individuals are allowed to work in this vital field. Currently in Florida, the field of behavior analysis is regulated by external government agencies, which lack the expertise and understanding of the unique demands and qualifications necessary for this profession.
Forty-three other states already have self-regulation in place, thus enhancing the professionalism and credibility of the field within the state. It's time for Florida to recognize the importance of allowing those who are versed in behavior analysis to lead its regulation and oversight.
Currently, decisions about who can work in behavior analysis despite having a criminal record are made by entities that are not directly involved in the field. This can lead to inconsistent and uninformed decisions that may not reflect the standards and ethics of behavior analysis, limiting consumer access to high-quality providers and therefore potentially putting consumers at risk. The national Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB), on the other hand, is equipped with the expertise necessary to evaluate who is fit to work as a behavior analyst, even in cases of past disqualifying offenses.
The demand for Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA's) is high as the services they provide have been proven to produce desired behavioral changes for various populations using ethical evidence-based approaches. Therefore, only those who truly understand the intricacies of behavior analysis should have the authority to regulate the profession and make important decisions regarding exemptions for individuals under Florida statute 435.07. Establishing a licensure board specific to Florida's BCBA's will not only ensure that standards are upheld, but also provide a more consistent and understanding approach to evaluating potential behavioral analysts.
Please sign this petition and help us advocate for a more informed and consistent regulatory process.
20
The Decision Makers

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Petition created on September 4, 2025