OBM NetworkABAI 2013 Business
Meeting
2012-2013 Awards and Recognitions
OBM Network Website Coordinator
Randall Hallman, M.A.
Lifetime Achievement Award
Dr. Alyce Dickinso
n
The most important thing I can say about Alyce is that she is a friend and has served me as a counselor and confidant for many years.
-Aubrey Daniels There is no doubt in my mind that Alyce deserves a
place on the list of those who have made critical contributions to OBM, sustained over a lifetime.
-Chuck Crowell She is one of the vanguards of our field, and one of its
most ardent cheerleaders and defenders.-Maria Malott
Without her, the heaviness of being a struggling student would have never been replaced by the lightness of being successful.
-Shezeen Oah Alyce has mentored many of us in some form or
fashion and the field is bigger and stronger for it.-Judy Agnew
Update from Dr. Alyce Dickinson
OBM and License Laws
Discussed current state of license laws and pros and cons of licensing for OBM professionals
Ad hoc committee was appointed to follow-up Alyce Dickinson, Amanda Mentzer, & Richard O’Brien
Main concern addressed by the committee Lack of representation when laws are being crafted
Lack of awareness by OBM professionals when laws were/are being considered
Failure of the advocates of the laws, usually human service providers, to consider potential implications for other applied behavior analysts
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OBMN Meeting 2012
Broad title and/or practice laws (no exclusions) You cannot call yourself a behavior analyst and/or practice
behavior analysis unless licensed Title and practice laws: AZ, KY, VA Title law: WI Practice law: MO
Restrictive Law covers only behavior analysts who provide services to
individuals with autism spectrum disorders or those with pervasive behavioral disorders/disabilities RI, ND, NV, OK RI also has an explicit exemption for OBM
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Categories of License Laws
No law, certification by BACB is sufficient protection for citizens WV, June 2012
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Categories of License Laws
States pass licensing laws No national professional association is directly
involved For historical and budgetary reasons ABAI is not
involved BACB has crafted a model license law that states
often use as a starting point APBA does monitor and attempt to influence state and
national legislation that it believes will benefit BACB credentialed behavior analysts
States typically consult with ABAI affiliated state chapters when crafting laws
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Licensing
Because ABAI is not involved in licensing and because the state affiliated chapters are often predominantly composed of human service providers, many of whom are also members of APBA, other applied behavior analysts (a)are often not aware when laws are being
considered or (b)perhaps they are aware but are not aware of their significance/relevance (it’s only relevant to human services, let those guys handle it and do the work)
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Representation Gap
BACB revised its model license law in Oct. 2012 based on concerns expressed by this group and applied animal trainers last year
Law now contains exclusionary language for OBM and AAT should states wish to adopt it
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BACB Model License Law
Very positive step Increases awareness of potential licensing concerns
of OBM professionals by BACB certified professionals Tacit agreement/acknowledgement that it is
“reasonable” to exclude OBM from licensing Issues for those advocating exclusion of OBM
“should states wish to adopt it” “OBM and AAT are on board, pull up the rope, Jack”
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BACB Revised Model License Law
Laws should be broad title and practice laws Protect the general public and field of behavior analysis Increase the quality of ABA Enhance the status of behavior analysts with other
professions: “professionalize the field” Laws should be broad title and practice laws that
exclude certain specializations, such as OBM Laws should be restricted to those who provide clinical
services (autism, DD), which excludes all other areas of applied behavior analysis
Laws should not be passed; current certification process is sufficient to protect consumers and the field (i.e., WV)
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Four Perspectives on Licensing
***************************************ABAI State Affiliated Chapters
***************************************The Gap:
ABAI is not involved in licensingChapters are often dominated by HS providers
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Key to Representation
After this committee raised concerns about representation, it was discussed by ABAI Executive Council in Dec. 2012 Representatives of ABAI, BACB, & APBA
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ABAI, BACB, APBA
Do nothing as a group A member could periodically check with the ABAI state
chapters re license laws and disseminate this via the list serv
Advocate that ABAI serve as a clearing house for member notification when laws are being considered
To determine “intent” of current broad title & practice laws (do they actually cover areas other than clinical services), a member could interview a license board member
Survey OBMN members to determine whether it wants to develop an official position re license laws, advocating restrictive laws or OBM exclusionary laws
Other suggestions?17
Potential Next Steps for OBMN
ABAI OBM Leadership Conference
Ramona Houmanfar, UNR
OBMN Membership Survey Results
James Morrison, WMU
Positives The majority of members read our newsletter Members are satisfied with newsletter length Popular items include case studies, discussion articles,
book reviews, and research studies Negatives
The majority of members don’t know how to submit an article
The majority of members indicated that “announcements” were least preferred section of newsletter To be expected Forced choice
Newsletter
Top reasons for not attending: Cost / Location Possible solutions? Partner with other ABAI chapters/SIGS, other
organizations (e.g., CalABA, ISPI) Top comments regarding conference:
Fewer consultants/better mix of practice/research
More data-driven presentations
Conference
Positives Top hits: Forum, recommended books, and video of
the month Working on several ideas to expand upon these
Building new website Training web master position Solicit updated book lists and teaching materials
Negatives Most people check in once a month or less
Recommendations Possible job postings section? Other recommendations?
Website
Negatives Surprisingly few members have Twitter or
Facebook accounts Those that do use social media would like
theoretical discussion, research links, event notices, announcements for the newsletter and journal
Recommendations Thoughts on increasing social media use?
Social Media
Grants The majority of members are unaware of the
grants offered by the OBM Network Awards
The majority of members are unaware of award nominations
Membership Large increase in international membership
Other
Recommended
