Occupations Code § 506.003

Sec. 506.003. PRACTICE OF APPLIED BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS. (a) The practice of applied behavior analysis is the design, implementation, and evaluation of instructional and environmental modifications to produce socially significant improvements in human behavior. (b) The practice of applied behavior analysis includes the empirical identification of functional relations between behavior and environmental factors, known as functional assessment or functional analysis. (c) Applied behavior analysis interventions: (1) are based on scientific research and the direct observation and measurement of behavior and environment; and (2) use contextual factors, motivating operations, antecedent stimuli, positive reinforcement, and other procedures to help individuals develop new behaviors, increase or decrease existing behaviors, and elicit or evoke behaviors under specific environmental conditions. (d) The practice of applied behavior analysis does not include: (1) psychological testing, psychotherapy, cognitive therapy, psychoanalysis, hypnotherapy, or counseling as treatment modalities; or (2) the diagnosis of disorders. Added by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1156 (S.B. 589), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2017. SUBCHAPTER B. APPLICATION OF CHAPTER; USE OF TITLE