HB 1425: Applied Behavior Analysis Services

Official summary

Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.

The act creates the Colorado behavior analyst licensing board (board) under the direction and supervision of the division of professions and occupations in the department of regulatory agencies. On and after July 1, 2028, an individual is prohibited from engaging in or offering the practice of applied behavior analysis unless the individual is licensed by the board. The board is authorized to license behavior analysts and assistant behavior analysts if they meet the requirements specified by the act and the rules adopted by the board pursuant to the act.     An individual who seeks to practice as a behavior analyst or assistant behavior analyst must meet the following requirements:File an application for a license;Have a valid certification in good standing with a certifying entity;Complete a fingerprint-based criminal history record check;Carry professional liability insurance in an amount determined by the board by rule unless working as a public employee covered under governmental immunity; andIf the individual seeks to practice as an assistant behavior analyst, be supervised by a licensed behavior analyst and practice within the scope of practice established by rules of the board.     The board may deny or refuse to renew a license, suspend or revoke a license, impose probationary conditions on a license, or issue a cease-and-desist letter or seek injunctive relief against a licensee or an applicant for licensure who has engaged in specified grounds for discipline or unprofessional conduct. The board may also send a licensee a letter of admonition or a confidential letter of concern under certain circumstances.     The act exempts specified individuals from the licensing requirements established by the act.     An individual who practices or offers or attempts to practice as a behavior analyst or assistant behavior analyst without being licensed pursuant to the act and who is not exempted from licensure commits a class 2 misdemeanor.     The board may adopt rules as necessary to implement the act.     The regulation of behavior analysts and assistant behavior analysts is scheduled for repeal on September 1, 2031. Before the repeal, the functions of the board in regulating applied behavior analysis are scheduled for review in accordance with the sunset law.     The act requires the department of health care policy and financing (state department) to reimburse an applied behavior analysis provider for applied behavior analysis services provided by a behavior technician certified by a certifying entity to a medicaid member with autism spectrum disorder or other conditions for which coverage may be available under state department policies. Subject to federal approval, the state department shall reimburse the applicable applied behavior analysis provider for applied behavior analysis services provided by a behavior technician who is required by the state department to be certified by a certifying entity, but is not certified at the time of services, for services provided during one temporary period of not less than 45 days while the behavior technician is pursuing the certification if specified conditions are met.     The department of human services (department) is required to prescribe and publish standards for the licensing and regulation of applied behavior analysis clinics (clinics). The department is authorized to adopt rules concerning specific subjects related to standards for clinics. Clinics are required to comply with specified requirements regarding local government zoning regulations, licensing fees, and qualifications for employees of the clinics.     The act changes the definition of 'day treatment center' to 'day treatment facility' and requires that facilities that were not subject to the definition before the effective date of the act but that meet the amended definition submit an application for licensure by the department on or before August 1, 2026 , and become licensed before August 1, 2027.(Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)

Sponsors

Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 44 · Republican 2

“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.

Recent official actions

1. June 2, 2026Governor Signed
2. May 29, 2026Signed by the Speaker of the House
3. May 29, 2026Signed by the President of the Senate
4. May 29, 2026Sent to the Governor
5. May 13, 2026Senate Third Reading Passed - No Amendments
6. May 12, 2026Senate Second Reading Special Order - Passed - No Amendments
7. May 11, 2026Senate Committee on Health & Human Services Refer Unamended to Appropriations
8. May 11, 2026Senate Committee on Appropriations Refer Unamended to Senate Committee of the Whole
9. May 8, 2026Introduced In Senate - Assigned to Health & Human Services
10. May 7, 2026House Third Reading Passed with Amendments - Floor
11. May 6, 2026House Second Reading Special Order - Passed with Amendments - Committee, Floor
12. May 5, 2026House Committee on Appropriations Refer Amended to House Committee of the Whole

Showing 12 most recent of 16 actions. Full history