Some actions for behavior analyst licensing bodies to consider in response to the COVID-19 pandemic

The COVID-19 global pandemic has had a significant impact on the practice of applied behavior analysis (ABA). Practitioners and caregivers have had to adapt quickly as physical distancing, stay-at-home orders, and shelter-in-place directives have become commonplace. As the field copes with the changes produced by the COVID-19 outbreak, many behavior analytic practitioners are seeking guidance from regulatory bodies to ensure they are practicing legally and ethically. This article outlines some actions that the regulatory bodies that manage state behavior analyst licensure programs may consider to assist ABA practitioners and consumers during this unprecedented time. Additionally, suggestions are offered as to how state licensing bodies might prepare to support the practice of licensees during future events that present challenges similar to the current pandemic.