Attention Licensed Behavior Analysts and Licensed Assistant Behavior Analysts who provide behavioral therapy through Medicaid:
Recently a bill passed both the Senate and the House and is ready to be signed by the Governor (by 3/27). This bill, SB1020/HB2095 seeks to provide a registry for Peer Recovery Specialists and Qualified Mental Health Professionals (QMHPs). The definition of a QMHP is
“Qualified mental health professional” means a person who by education and experience is professionally qualified and registered by the Board of Counseling to provide collaborative mental health services for adults or children. A qualified mental health professional shall provide such services as an employee or independent contractor of the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services or a provider licensed by the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services.
Many of you most likely employ QMHPs as behavioral technicians if you provide Medicaid or EPSDT services. We have worked with DHP, DMAS,and the Governor’s office to determine the impact of this bill on Behavior Analysts. Because LBAs and LABAs who provide behavioral therapy through DMAS/Magellan for Medicaid or EPSDT recipients are no longer licensed by DBHDS, there is no need to employ a QMHP for these services. If you have a QMHP who works for your agency, s/he will not need to register when this law is enacted. Please note that we are working with agencies in the Commonwealth to hopefully make changes to the ways that LBAs and LABAs are referenced in the Code of Virginia and will keep VABA members informed. If you have any questions, contact admin@virginiaaba.org.