The Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) has issued guidance outlining how New Jersey’s behavior analyst licensure requirements will apply to DDD-funded behavioral supports. The bulletin identifies May 6, 2027 as the compliance deadline, at which time the temporary licensure exemption for certain professionals providing applied behavior analysis (ABA) services through DDD will expire.
The guidance marks another step in implementing New Jersey’s Applied Behavior Analyst Licensing Act, this time under the auspices of DDD, the primary funder for adult disability services. Licensure establishes state-defined standards for education, training, and professional conduct, and creates a formal system of oversight and accountability. It also gives individuals, families, and service providers a way to verify professional credentials and access a formal system of state oversight through the State Board of Applied Behavior Analyst Examiners.
Understanding the Requirements
After the May 2027 deadline, the current qualifications (e.g., certification by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB), DDD authorization, and Medicaid authorization) will no longer be sufficient. Licensure as a behavior analyst will also be required with the caveat that certain licensed professionals (e.g., psychologists) may qualify for an exemption when services fall within their professional scope of practice, education, training, and competence.
Family Impact
Aligning DDD-funded ABA services with this law brings greater consistency to professional expectations across service settings. For adults with autism and their families, licensure provides, in some cases, a higher qualification standard, and in all cases, an additional measure of accountability.
Autism New Jersey’s Role
Autism New Jersey’s public policy team worked closely with DDD to examine the many layers of this transition, including professional qualifications, licensure requirements, provider responsibilities, reimbursement, and continuity of services. These discussions focused on the practical implications of implementing the law within DDD’s service system and the importance of ensuring that new requirements strengthen professional accountability without creating unnecessary barriers to care. While the transition may present challenges, establishing consistent professional standards will strengthen the foundation for future advocacy to increase reimbursement rates, expand the workforce, and improve access to services.
Looking Ahead
The transition requires provider agencies to review professional credentials and internal procedures. DDD’s bulletin encourages early preparation and transition planning to prevent service interruptions and payment delays.
Maintaining access to services as these requirements are implemented will be critical. This commitment aligns with Autism New Jersey’s priority of expanding the workforce of behavior analysts serving adults with autism, particularly those with profound autism and severe challenging behavior, to improve statewide access to medically necessary treatment.
For additional background, read Autism New Jersey’s Quick Guide to ABA Licensure Regulations and Behavior Analyst Licensure in New Jersey: Where We Are Now.