Advocating for Criminal Background Checks for Behavior Analysts

A message from Autism New Jersey’s Public Policy Director

The Problem

As strong advocates for the professional licensing of the practice of ABA, Autism New Jersey has been monitoring the implementation of the Applied Behavior Analysis Licensing Act. We recently learned that neither the ABA Licensing Act nor the Uniform Enforcement Act (N.J.S.A. 45:1-1 et seq.) includes a criminal background check requirement for ABA license applicants. The absence of a criminal background check requirement to obtain a professional license to practice behavior analysis is a gross oversight that must be corrected, as it could jeopardize the safety and well-being of individuals with autism and their families.

The Solution

This problem can be fixed through additional legislation to amend the ABA Licensing Act. Autism New Jersey will be advocating for this amendment during the upcoming legislative “lame duck” session, which will begin just after Election Day in November.

How You Can Help

If you would like to advocate for a criminal background check requirement in the ABA Licensing Act, you can find your local legislators on the New Jersey Legislature’s website. Your legislative district page will include a link that says, “Contact Your Legislator(s).” From there, you can submit a written request asking your legislator to support criminal background checks for ABA license applicants.

Questions? If you have any questions, please feel free to contact publicpolicy@autismnj.org.