Licensing Guide · Pennsylvania (PA)
ABA Therapy Licensing in Pennsylvania
Licensure Status
State licensure required
Licensing Board
State Board of Medicine
Year Enacted
2008
Supervision & Telehealth
Supervision Ratio
State Board of Medicine sets supervision standards; follows BACB guidelines as baseline
Telehealth
Allowed — telehealth ABA permitted statewide
BACB Recognition
BCBA certification required for licensure; state uses 'Behavior Specialist' credential
Key Requirements in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania enacted behavior analyst licensure in 2008 through Act 62 under the State Board of Medicine. The state credential is titled 'Behavior Specialist' rather than 'Licensed Behavior Analyst.' Applicants must hold BCBA certification. Pennsylvania also has the IBHS (Intensive Behavioral Health Services) Medicaid program, one of the most comprehensive ABA Medicaid frameworks in the country.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Pennsylvania require behavior analyst licensure?
Yes. Pennsylvania enacted Act 62 in 2008, requiring behavior analysts to obtain a 'Behavior Specialist' license through the State Board of Medicine. BCBA certification is required as part of the application.
What is the IBHS program in Pennsylvania?
IBHS (Intensive Behavioral Health Services) is Pennsylvania's Medicaid program for behavioral health services including ABA therapy. It is one of the most developed Medicaid ABA frameworks in the country.
Why is Pennsylvania's license called 'Behavior Specialist'?
Pennsylvania uses the title 'Behavior Specialist' for its licensed behavior analyst credential under Act 62. Despite the different title, the requirements align with BCBA certification standards and the license is administered by the State Board of Medicine.
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