Oklahoma SB1557: Applied behavior analysis; transferring licensure powers and duties to the State Board of Examiners of Psychologists; requiring background check. Effective date.

What the bill says

An Act relating to applied behavior analysis; amending 59 O.S. 2021, Section 1928, which relates to licensing of behavior analysts; modifying definitions; transferring certain powers and duties from the Department of Human Services to the State Board of Examiners of Psychologists; granting certain additional power to the Board; requiring a national criminal history record check for applicants; prohibiting certain dissemination of information; updating statutory language and references; modifying certain fee limit; and providing an effective date…

From the enrolled text, May 7, 2026:

An Act relating to applied behavior analysis; amending 59 O.S. 2021, Section 1928, which relates to licensing of behavior analysts; modifying definitions; transferring certain powers and duties from the Department of Human Services to the State Board of Examiners of Psychologists; granting certain additional power to the Board; requiring a national criminal history record check for applicants; prohibiting certain dissemination of information; updating statutory language and references; modifying certain fee limit; and providing an effective date. SUBJECT: Applied behavior analysis professional licensure SECTION 1. AMENDATORY 59 O.S. 2021, Section 1928, is amended to read as follows: Section 1928. A. As used in this act section and Sections 1280.1, 1-280.2, and 1-280.3 of Title 63 of the Oklahoma Statutes: 1. a. "Applied behavior analysis" means the design, implementation, and evaluation of instructional and environmental modifications to produce socially significant improvements in human behavior through skill, acquisition, and the reduction of problematic behavior. An applied behavior analysis program shall: (1) be based on empirical research including the direct observation and measurement of behavior as well as a functional behavior assessment, and (2) utilize antecedent stimuli, positive reinforcement, and other consequences to produce behavior change. b. Applied behavior analysis does not include cognitive therapies or psychological testing, neuropsychology, psychotherapy, sex therapy, psychoanalysis, hypnotherapy, and long-term counseling as treatment modalities; 2. "Board" means the …