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HB 1964

Modifies provisions relating to the practice of applied behavior analysis

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Tara Peters

Missouri HB 1964 seeks to update and tighten licensure, scope of practice, and regulatory standards for applied behavior analysis to modernize practice and protect consumers.

Referred: Emerging Issues(H)
#mentalhealth #professionalregistrationandlicensing
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Bill Summary · HB 1964

Summary of HB 1964 (Missouri, 2026) — Modifies provisions relating to the practice of applied behavior analysis

Purpose and intent

  • The bill aims to modify existing Missouri statutes governing the practice of applied behavior analysis (ABA). While the full text is not provided here, the measure seeks to update definitions, scope of practice, licensure or certification requirements, and related regulatory provisions to reflect developments in the field of ABA and to clarify professional standards for practitioners.

Key provisions and changes (as described by the bill’s title and status)

  • Scope of practice: The bill likely revises what activities constitute the practice of applied behavior analysis, potentially expanding or clarifying permissible tasks for licensed or certified ABA professionals.
  • Qualifications and oversight: It may introduce or adjust prerequisites for licensure or certification, including education, supervised experience, and continuing education requirements. This can include indicating who may supervise ABA practitioners (e.g., a BCBA-d, BCBA, or other credentialed supervisor).
  • Regulatory framework: The measure could modify the regulatory structure governing ABA practice in Missouri, such as the creation or adjustment of licensing boards, credentialing processes, or handling of disciplinary actions for violations.
  • Consumer protections: Provisions may address standards of care, informed consent, and patient rights; mention oversight to ensure competent practice and ethical conduct.
  • Telepractice and documentation: The bill might include provisions related to service delivery methods (e.g., telepractice) and documentation requirements for assessments, treatment plans, progress notes, and data collection.
  • Collaboration and supervision: Potentially sets requirements for supervision ratios, supervision period, and delegation of ABA interventions, particularly for students, early intervention, or individuals with developmental disabilities.
  • Enforcement and penalties: Likely outlines enforcement mechanisms, penalties for non-compliance, and processes for complaint investigations or licensure actions.

Who would be affected

  • ABA professionals and providers: Behavior analysts, technicians, and organizations delivering ABA services in Missouri would be subject to revised licensure, certification, or practice standards.
  • Clients and families: Individuals receiving ABA services may experience changes in practitioner qualifications, service delivery standards, and protections related to care.
  • Employers and service providers: Clinics, schools, healthcare facilities, and agencies offering ABA services would need to adjust policies, supervision structures, and recordkeeping to comply with new requirements.
  • Regulatory bodies: State boards or departments responsible for licensure and enforcement would implement and enforce updated rules and disciplinary procedures.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Referral and committee process: The bill was referred to the Emerging Issues committee on May 15, 2026, indicating it is being reviewed for potential updates to address contemporary concerns in the ABA field.
  • Floor actions: Earlier readings occurred on January 7 and January 8, 2026 (First and Second Readings), with prefiling noted on December 1, 2025, signaling steps toward potential floor consideration and amendments.
  • Next steps: If advanced, the bill would proceed through committee hearings, potential amendments, and votes by the Missouri House of Representatives and then the Senate, followed by any needed reconciliations and ultimately enactment into law if approved.

Notable considerations for readers

  • The exact substantive changes (e.g., specific licensure requirements, defined scope of practice, and enforcement provisions) depend on the bill’s text. Stakeholders should review the proposed language in the Emerging Issues committee and subsequent amendments for precise requirements.
  • Given the sponsor, Co-sponsor Tara Peters, readers may anticipate alignment with aims to modernize ABA practice standards and enhance consumer protections in Missouri.

If you’d like, I can incorporate the bill’s actual text to provide a line-by-line translation of provisions and draft a more detailed provision-by-provision summary.

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

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