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Committee extends sunset review for Behavior Analyst Licensing Act after DOPL and practitioners explain workforce needs
Summary
The committee heard from Department of Professional Licensing staff and practitioners on the Behavior Analyst Licensing Act and voted to open a bill file to extend the sunset for 10 years; testimony emphasized demand for behavior analysts and the role of licensure in protecting patients.
The House Business and Labor Interim Committee heard from Department of Professional Licensing staff and a licensed behavior analyst about the Behavior Analyst Licensing Act and voted to open a bill file to extend the statute’s sunset for 10 years.
Key testimony and facts: Deborah Blackburn of the Division of Professional Licensing told the committee there were 1,009 licensed behavior analysts and 26 assistant behavior analysts as of the previous day. Blackburn said the 2024 changes enacted in Senate Bill 26 implemented Office of Professional Licensure Review (OPLER) recommendations by adding a national certification pathway and creating a seat for behavior analysts on the composite behavioral health board. Dr. Cade Charlton, a board-certified behavior analyst and associate professor, told the committee demand has risen and that licensure protects the public: "Licensure exists to protect the public without licensure requirement. Utah would lack a clear regulatory mechanism to ensure that only qualified, ethical, and competent individuals provide behavioral services," he said.
Why this matters: Behavior analysts provide intensive services for people with autism and other conditions; the committee heard OPLER’s recommendation to remove barriers and adopt national certification pathways to expand access while maintaining safeguards. Blackburn told the committee that OPLER found Utah had high patient wait times for behavior analyst services and recommended removing barriers to licensure.
Committee action: Senator Evan Vickers moved to open a committee bill file to extend the sunset for 10 years. The committee voted in favor and the motion passed. Committee staff will work with DOPL and stakeholders on draft language if needed.
Next steps: Staff will draft bill language and coordinate with representatives of the profession and DOPL. Any statutory changes would be brought to the legislature during the next general session.
