§34-5A-1. Definitions.

THIS SECTION WAS ASSIGNED BY THE CODE COMMISSIONER IN THE 2014 REGULAR SESSION, EFFECTIVE JUNE 1, 2014. THIS IS NOT IN THE CURRENT CODE SUPPLEMENT.

For the purposes of this chapter, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

(1) APPLIED BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS DIRECT CONTACT TECHNICIAN. An individual who directly implements applied behavior analysis services.

(2) BOARD. The Alabama Behavior Analyst Licensing Board charged with overseeing the regulation of behavior analyst professionals.

(3) CERTIFYING ENTITY. The nationally accredited Behavior Analyst Certification Board, Incorporated.

(4) LICENSED ASSISTANT BEHAVIOR ANALYST. An individual who is certified by the certifying entity as a board certified assistant behavior analyst and who satisfies the criteria identified in Section 34-5A-4.

(5) LICENSED BEHAVIOR ANALYST. An individual who is certified by the certifying entity as a board certified behavior analyst and who satisfies the criteria identified in Section 34-5A-4.

(6) PRACTICE OF BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS. The design, implementation, and evaluation of instructional and environmental modifications to produce socially significant improvements in human behavior.

a. The practice of behavior analysis includes all of the following:

1. The empirical identification of functional relations between behavior and environmental factors, known as functional assessment and analysis.

2. Interventions based on scientific research and the direct observation and measurement of behavior and environment, which utilize contextual factors, establishing operations, antecedent stimuli, positive reinforcement, and other consequences to help individuals develop new behaviors, increase or decrease existing behaviors, and elicit behaviors under specific environmental conditions.

b. The practice of behavior analysis does not include psychological testing, psychotherapy, cognitive therapy, sex therapy, psychoanalysis or hypnotherapy, or long-term counseling as treatment modalities.

c. The practice of behavior analysis does not include preventing or alleviating or curing of diseases or injuries.

d. Nothing in this chapter shall be construed as permitting or allowing a licensed behavior analyst to prescribe or administer any drug, make a medical diagnosis, provide medical treatment, or manage a medical condition. A licensed behavior analyst may not attempt to diagnose, prescribe for, treat, or advise a client with reference to any problem, complaint, or condition falling outside the boundaries of behavior analysis.

(Act 2014-163, §1.)