The Road to Licensure for Behavior Analysts in Texas: Challenges, Strategies, and Lessons Learned

# The Road to Licensure of Behavior Analysts in Texas  

Licensure for behavior analysts in Texas has been a long and challenging journey. The process involved decades of advocacy, obstacles from opposing professional groups, and careful political strategy. Understanding this history can help behavior analysts in other states push for their own licensure laws effectively.  

This blog post is based on the article by De La Cruz et al. (2024), which provides a detailed account of the process that led to the licensure of behavior analysts in Texas. Below, we break down key moments in this journey and lessons learned along the way.  

## Why Licensure Matters  

Applied behavior analysis (ABA) has grown significantly in the U.S., primarily due to its success in treating autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, with growth comes the need for regulation:  

1. **Consumer Protection** – Licensure ensures that only qualified individuals provide behavior analytic services.  
2. **Recognition of the Profession** – A state-recognized license grants professional legitimacy.  
3. **Insurance and Legal Safeguards** – Many insurance providers and state programs require licensure to reimburse services.  

## The Early Efforts for Licensure in Texas  

The push for licensure began as early as 1992 during a **sunset review** of Texas psychology licensure laws. ABA practitioners worried that if behavior analysis was absorbed into psychology regulations, it would limit their ability to practice independently.  

The **Texas Association for Behavior Analysis (TxABA)** began monitoring legislative activity to prevent this from happening. They formed a **legislative committee** to advocate for a separate licensure process.  

## Challenges and Failed Attempts  

### 1. Opposition from Other Professions  

Licensure efforts faced strong resistance, particularly from:  

- **Texas Psychological Association (TPA)** – Feared competition and sought to keep ABA under psychology licensing rules.  
- **Texas Speech-Language-Hearing Association (TSHA)** – Voiced concerns over ABA practitioners working with communication disorders.  
- **Texas Occupational Therapy Association (TOTA)** – Worried about role overlap in serving children with developmental disabilities.  

These groups had strong ties to legislators and often blocked ABA licensure bills.  

### 2. Failed Legislative Attempts (2011-2015)  

Various bills were introduced, including **HB 2703** and **SB 1871** in 2015. These bills aimed to establish a licensing board for behavior analysts, but due to opposition, they failed to pass. Some key challenges included:  

- Difficulty in securing political support.  
- Concerns over professional scope conflicts.  
- Perceived redundancy, as the national **Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)** credential already existed.  

## A New Approach: SB 589 and the Path to Success  

TxABA realized that a new strategy was needed. They took several critical steps:  

1. **Hiring a Professional Lobbyist** – Expertise in legislative processes helped the bill gain traction.  
2. **Engaging Parents and Stakeholders** – Families shared personal stories of how ABA changed their lives, making an emotional case for licensure.  
3. **Gaining Political Champions** – Identifying lawmakers who supported disability rights helped push the bill forward.  

This led to the introduction of **SB 589**, which included changes that eased opposition from other professions. The bill ultimately passed in **2017**, bringing official licensure to Texas behavior analysts.  

## Key Lessons Learned  

For behavior analysts advocating for licensure in other states, the Texas experience offers valuable takeaways:  

### 1. Understand the Legislative Process  
- Learn about your state's laws and how licensing agencies work.  
- Identify key deadlines and submission periods.  

### 2. Build Strong Relationships with Lawmakers  
- Find legislators who support disability rights and professional licensing.  
- Keep meetings brief and focused on consumer protection.  

### 3. Address Professional Opposition Strategically  
- Meet with representatives from psychology, speech therapy, and occupational therapy to ease concerns.  
- Emphasize that licensure is about **protecting clients**, not replacing other professions.  

### 4. Engage the Public and Media  
- Parents and caregivers can provide powerful testimonies.  
- Media coverage can generate public support and put pressure on lawmakers.  

### 5. Hire a Lobbyist if Possible  
- Lobbyists understand the political landscape and help navigate obstacles.  
- They provide credibility with legislators.  

## Conclusion: Paving the Way for the Future  

The road to licensure for behavior analysts in Texas was long and filled with challenges, but it ultimately succeeded through persistence, strategy, and collaboration. States still working toward licensure can learn from Texas’s approach to ensure a smoother process.  

For a more in-depth look at this journey, check out the full article:  

**De La Cruz, B., Bourland, G., Johnson-Patagoc, K. M., Dillen, J., Thommen, R., Fritz, J. N., & Crone, R. (2024). The Road to Licensure of Behavior Analysts in Texas: History and Lessons Learned.** Behavior Analysis in Practice. DOI: [https://doi.org/10.1007/s40617-024-01030-z](https://doi.org/10.1007/s40617-024-01030-z)  

If you're advocating for behavior analyst licensure in your state, what strategies have worked for you? Share your thoughts in the comments!