Inside Behavior Analysis
Volume 3 | 2011 | Number 2 | Online ISSN: 2151-4704
Kentucky ABA
By Keith Hersh
The Kentucky Association for Behavior Analysis (KY-ABA) was officially approved as an affiliate chapter at the 36th ABAI Annual Convention in San Antonio, Texas. At that time, we held our first official meeting, which included many enthusiastic behavior analysts and students who were interested in joining, volunteering, and learning more about what KY-ABA would offer to members. There was a great deal of excitement regarding how the organization could influence the current state of affairs relating to behavior analysis in Kentucky.
Since its inception, we have experienced significant growth. The association was able to merge with another organization, the Kentucky Association for Behavior Specialists. This allowed for combining resources as both organizations shared similar goals. At this time, there are approximately only 60 individuals who are certified by the BACB in the entire state of Kentucky. Given Kentucky's relatively low number of certified behavior analysts, the organization is very pleased to have successfully recruited 64 members.
Based on experience and recommendations from other affiliated chapters, KY-ABA developed four membership types: Full membership is for professionals who have a master's degree in applied behavior analysis (ABA) or a related field and anyone who is board certified. Full members have voting rights, including the ability to vote for executive members. Affiliate membership is for individuals interested in behavior analysis, but do not meet the criteria for full membership. These members are allowed to vote on matters pertaining to the chapter, but not during elections for executive members. Student memberships are offered to current students studying ABA or a related field. Finally, family membership is for parents or family members looking to become involved. The membership database indicates that there are 40 full members, 23 student members, and 1 family member.
The president of the KY-ABA, Dr. Nicholas Weatherly, has considerable experience in systems development and organizational behavior management. Because of him, KY-ABA has a well-developed organizational flow chart with detailed descriptions of duties and expectations (see Figure 1). The Board of Directors consists of the president, director of operations, and three representatives-at-large-one each for eastern, central, and western Kentucky. The chapter's structure for board members includes the following committee chairs: a membership committee chair, a legislation committee chair, an education/student committee chair, a public relations/newsletter committee chair, and a conference committee chair. Each position has formally outlined duties and expectations, which has helped the organization reach several goals, including holding our first annual conference, development of a membership database, development of credit card processing capabilities directly linked to KY-ABA's bank account, newsletters released three times per year, and a formal process for recruiting new members and reaching out to other universities, agencies, and professionals in related areas such as psychology and education.
KY-ABA is also taking a lead in political matters in the state that will influence ABA and behavior analytic services. Particularly, the organization has an insurance forum that communicates current successes and failures pertaining to obtaining authorization for ABA services and billing questions. Kentucky does have a house bill that mandates insurance to cover ABA services, however, this bill was just enacted in January 2011. Many behavior analysts have never dealt with private insurance in the past, and have myriad questions pertaining to service implementation. KY-ABA has been a central voice addressing these issues. KY-ABA has also become involved in discussing changes to Medicaid services, and community living supports. Kentucky's waiver system is currently planning to completely change the structure for services, and many behavior analysts are concerned with the credentialing and level of training required by Medicaid to implement behavior analytic services. Formal position statements and meetings with government officials has allowed KY-ABA to have some input into this process and make recommendations to assure quality for clients who will receive these services.
In conclusion, KY-ABA is a growing affiliate chapter that has taken on great responsibility. For a chapter that is small in terms of membership, our executive board and committee chairs have dedicated a great deal of time to furthering the influence of KY-ABA. The chapter will continue to be a source for information about behavior analysis, conduct clinical training seminars, conduct CEU events, and continue to have influence on legislative issues surrounding ABA in the state of Kentucky.