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SB 898

Maryland Medical Assistance Program - Behavior Technicians - Reimbursement

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Cory McCray

SB 898 authorizes direct Medicaid reimbursement for Registered Behavior Technicians providing autism and behavioral health services in Maryland, potentially expanding access but increasing state costs.

Enacted under Article II, Section 17(c) of the Maryland Constitution - Chapter 867
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Bill Summary · SB 898

Legislative bill overview

SB 898 modifies Maryland's Medical Assistance Program to establish reimbursement rates for Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) who provide autism and behavioral health services. The bill requires the state to pay RBTs directly through Medicaid, rather than only through supervising clinicians, ensuring these paraprofessionals are compensated for their direct clinical work.

Why is this important

RBTs provide critical applied behavior analysis (ABA) services, particularly for children with autism spectrum disorder. Direct Medicaid reimbursement could expand access to behavioral health services by making RBT positions economically viable for clinics and home-based providers, potentially reducing wait times for families seeking these services.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost to state budget: Direct RBT reimbursement increases Medicaid expenditures; fiscal impact and whether savings materialize from improved service delivery remain unclear
  • Rate-setting methodology: Disputes may arise over appropriate reimbursement levels—too low discourages RBT workforce participation; too high strains budgets without evidence of improved outcomes
  • Supervision requirements: Unclear whether RBTs can bill independently or only under direct clinician supervision, affecting implementation logistics and actual service expansion

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

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