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SB 790

AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- LICENSING OF APPLIED BEHAVIOR ANALYSTS

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Frank Ciccone and 5 co-sponsors

Rhode Island establishes state licensing requirements for Applied Behavior Analysts to regulate professional standards and consumer protections for behavior analysis practitioners.

06/30/2025 Signed by Governor
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Bill Summary · SB 790

Legislative bill overview

SB 790 establishes a state licensing system for Applied Behavior Analysts (ABAs) in Rhode Island. The bill creates professional credentials and regulatory oversight for practitioners who provide behavior analysis services, particularly for autism spectrum disorder and other behavioral health conditions. This brings ABA practice under formal state regulation where it previously operated without standardized licensing requirements.

Why is this important

Applied behavior analysis is widely used in therapeutic settings, especially for autism treatment, making professional standards important for consumer protection. Licensing ensures practitioners meet education and competency requirements, which can improve service quality and accountability. However, this also increases barriers to entry and operating costs, potentially affecting service availability and affordability in the state.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of practice definition – The specific boundaries of what ABAs can and cannot do may create disputes between ABAs, other licensed professions (psychology, counseling), and healthcare providers over overlapping jurisdictions
  • Cost and access implications – Licensing requirements increase training costs and administrative fees, which could reduce the number of available providers and make services less affordable for families, particularly those without insurance coverage
  • Grandfather clause concerns – How existing unlicensed practitioners are handled (grandfathered in vs. required to become licensed) affects current practitioners and the transition timeline for compliance

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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