The bill amends Chapter 5-86 of the General Laws in Rhode Island, which governs the licensing of applied behavior analysts. It changes the name of "applied behavior assistant analyst" to "assistant applied behavior analyst" and makes several changes to provide consistency in the certification language for behavioral analysts. The legislation clarifies the qualifications and licensing requirements for both licensed applied behavior analysts and assistant applied behavior analysts, detailing necessary educational backgrounds, supervised experience, and examinations, including the requirement to pass the behavior analyst certification behavior analyst (BCBA) examination administered by the behavior analyst certification board (BACB).

The bill specifies that licensed professionals are not required to be employees of a prescribing profession or organization and must comply with confidentiality laws regarding medical records. It also provides exemptions for certain professionals, such as teachers and social workers, allowing them to perform their duties without being classified as licensed applied behavior analysts. Additionally, it permits individuals to offer applied behavior analysis services to immediate family members or as caregivers without a license, provided they do not misrepresent their qualifications.

The bill allows out-of-state licensed behavior analysts to practice in Rhode Island for a limited number of days each year without a local license. Furthermore, it establishes supervision requirements for assistant applied behavior analysts, ensuring they practice under the oversight of a licensed analyst, who is responsible for providing direction and maintaining compliance records. The act will take effect upon passage.