Amended in Assembly August 17, 2015

Amended in Assembly July 13, 2015

Amended in Assembly June 30, 2015

Amended in Senate June 2, 2015

Amended in Senate April 6, 2015

Senate BillNo. 479


Introduced by Senator Bates

February 26, 2015


An act to amend Sections 27 and 2920 of, to amend, repeal, and add Sections 2922, 2923, and 2927 of, to add Chapter 6.7 (commencing with Section 2999.10) to Division 2 of, and to repeal Sections 2999.20, 2999.25, 2999.31, and 2999.33 of, the Business and Professions Code, relating to healing arts.

LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL’S DIGEST

SB 479, as amended, Bates. Healing arts: behavior analysis: licensing.

Existing law provides for the licensure and regulation of various healing arts licensees by various boards, as defined, within the Department of Consumer Affairs, including the Board of Psychology. Under existing law, until January 1, 2017, the board is vested with the power to enforce the Psychology Licensing Law, and consists of 9 members, 4 of whom are public members and 5 of whom are licensed psychologists. Existing law requires the board to post information on its licensees, as specified, including, among others, psychological assistants. Existing law specifies that a quorum of the board requires 5 members.

This bill would, on and after July 1, 2017, increase the number of members on the board to 11, and would increase the number of members for a quorum to 6 members. The bill would require the 2 new members to meet certain requirements, including, but not limited to, that one of the new members isbegin insert licensed as a psychologist andend insert qualified to practice behavior analysis, as defined.

This bill would establish the Behavior Analyst Act. The bill would require a person to apply for and obtain a license from the board prior to engaging in the practice of behavior analysis, as defined, either as a behavior analyst or an assistant behavior analyst. The bill would require these applicants to, among other things, meet certain educational and training requirements, and submit fingerprints for both a state and federal criminal background check. The bill would require an assistant behavior analyst applicant to provide proof to the board of ongoing supervision by a licensed behavior analyst or a licensed psychologist who is qualified to practice behavior analysis, as specified. The bill would provide that those licenses expire 2 years after the date of issuance and would authorize the renewal of unexpired licenses if certain requirements are met, including the completion of specified continuing education. The bill would also require an applicant to certify, under penalty of perjury, that he or she is in compliance with that continuing education requirement. By expanding the crime of perjury, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program.

This bill would also require a behavior analysis technician, as defined, who practices under thebegin insert direction andend insert supervision of a licensed behavior analyst, a licensed assistant behavior analyst, or a licensed psychologist who is qualified to practice behavior analysis, to submit, among other things, an application subject to board approval, fingerprints for a state and federal criminal background check, and payment of an annual application fee.

This bill would, until January 1, 2021, vest the board with the power to enforce the Behavior Analyst Act, and would require the board to, among other things, post information regarding licensed behavior analysts and licensed assistant behavior analysts, as specified. The bill would, until January 1, 2021, create the Behavior Analyst Committee within the jurisdiction of the board, and would require the committee to be comprised of 5 members who shall be appointed as specified. The bill would authorize the committee to make recommendations to the board regarding the regulation of the practice of behavior analysis in the state.

This bill would define certain terms for these purposes. The bill would require the board to conduct disciplinary hearings, as specified. The bill, on and after July 1, 2018, would make it unlawful to, among other things, practice behavior analysis without being licensed by the board, except as specified.

This bill would make a licenseebegin delete andend deletebegin insert orend insert health care facility, as defined, that fails or refuses to comply with an authorized client request or court order for the medical records of a client subject to a specified civil penalty, except as specified. The bill would also make a licensee or health care facility with multiple violations of those court orders subject to a crime. By creating a new crime, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program.

This bill would make a violation of any of these provisions a misdemeanor punishable by 6 months in the county jail or a fine not to exceed $2,500, or by both imprisonment and a fine. By creating a new crime, this bill would result in a state-mandated local program.

The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.

This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.

Vote: majority. Appropriation: no. Fiscal committee: yes. State-mandated local program: yes.

The people of the State of California do enact as follows:

P3    1

SECTION 1.  

Section 27 of the Business and Professions Code
2 is amended to read:

3

27.  

(a) Each entity specified in subdivisions (c), (d), and (e)
4shall provide on the Internet information regarding the status of
5every license issued by that entity in accordance with the California
6Public Records Act (Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 6250)
7of Division 7 of Title 1 of the Government Code) and the
8Information Practices Act of 1977 (Chapter 1 (commencing with
9Section 1798) of Title 1.8 of Part 4 of Division 3 of the Civil Code).
10The public information to be provided on the Internet shall include
11information on suspensions and revocations of licenses issued by
12the entity and other related enforcement action, including
13accusations filed pursuant to the Administrative Procedure Act
14(Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of
P4    1Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code) taken by the entity
2relative to persons, businesses, or facilities subject to licensure or
3regulation by the entity. The information may not include personal
4information, including home telephone number, date of birth, or
5social security number. Each entity shall disclose a licensee’s
6address of record. However, each entity shall allow a licensee to
7provide a post office box number or other alternate address, instead
8of his or her home address, as the address of record. This section
9shall not preclude an entity from also requiring a licensee, who
10has provided a post office box number or other alternative mailing
11address as his or her address of record, to provide a physical
12business address or residence address only for the entity’s internal
13administrative use and not for disclosure as the licensee’s address
14of record or disclosure on the Internet.

15(b) In providing information on the Internet, each entity specified
16in subdivisions (c) and (d) shall comply with the Department of
17Consumer Affairs’ guidelines for access to public records.

18(c) Each of the following entities within the Department of
19Consumer Affairs shall comply with the requirements of this
20section:

21(1) The Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and
22Geologists shall disclose information on its registrants and
23licensees.

24(2) The Bureau of Automotive Repair shall disclose information
25on its licensees, including auto repair dealers, smog stations, lamp
26and brake stations, smog check technicians, and smog inspection
27certification stations.

28(3) The Bureau of Electronic and Appliance Repair, Home
29Furnishings, and Thermal Insulation shall disclose information on
30its licensees and registrants, including major appliance repair
31dealers, combination dealers (electronic and appliance), electronic
32repair dealers, service contract sellers, and service contract
33administrators.

34(4) The Cemetery and Funeral Bureau shall disclose information
35on its licensees, including cemetery brokers, cemetery salespersons,
36cemetery managers, crematory managers, cemetery authorities,
37crematories, cremated remains disposers, embalmers, funeral
38establishments, and funeral directors.

39(5) The Professional Fiduciaries Bureau shall disclose
40information on its licensees.

P5    1(6) The Contractors’ State License Board shall disclose
2information on its licensees and registrants in accordance with
3Chapter 9 (commencing with Section 7000) of Division 3. In
4addition to information related to licenses as specified in
5subdivision (a), the board shall also disclose information provided
6to the board by the Labor Commissioner pursuant to Section 98.9
7of the Labor Code.

8(7) The Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education shall
9disclose information on private postsecondary institutions under
10its jurisdiction, including disclosure of notices to comply issued
11pursuant to Section 94935 of the Education Code.

12(8) The California Board of Accountancy shall disclose
13information on its licensees and registrants.

14(9) The California Architects Board shall disclose information
15on its licensees, including architects and landscape architects.

16(10) The State Athletic Commission shall disclose information
17on its licensees and registrants.

18(11) The State Board of Barbering and Cosmetology shall
19disclose information on its licensees.

20(12) The State Board of Guide Dogs for the Blind shall disclose
21information on its licensees and registrants.

22(13) The Acupuncture Board shall disclose information on its
23licensees.

24(14) The Board of Behavioral Sciences shall disclose
25information on its licensees, including licensed marriage and family
26therapists, licensed clinical social workers, licensed educational
27psychologists, and licensed professional clinical counselors.

28(15) The Dental Board of California shall disclose information
29on its licensees.

30(16) The State Board of Optometry shall disclose information
31regarding certificates of registration to practice optometry,
32statements of licensure, optometric corporation registrations, branch
33office licenses, and fictitious name permits of its licensees.

34(17) The Board of Psychology shall disclose information on its
35licensees, including psychologists, psychological assistants,
36registered psychologists, behavior analysts, and assistant behavior
37analysts.

38(d) The State Board of Chiropractic Examiners shall disclose
39information on its licensees.

P6    1(e) The Structural Pest Control Board shall disclose information
2on its licensees, including applicators, field representatives, and
3operators in the areas of fumigation, general pest and wood
4destroying pests and organisms, and wood roof cleaning and
5treatment.

6(f) “Internet” for the purposes of this section has the meaning
7set forth in paragraph (6) of subdivision (f) of Section 17538.

8

SEC. 2.  

Section 2920 of the Business and Professions Code is
9amended to read:

10

2920.  

(a) The Board of Psychology shall enforce and
11administer this chapter and Chapter 6.7 (commencing with Section
122999.10). The board shall consist of 9 members, 4 of whom shall
13be public members.

14(b) On and after July 1, 2017, notwithstanding subdivision (a),
15the board shall consist of 11 members, 5 of whom shall be public
16members.

17(c) This section shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2017,
18and as of that date is repealed.

19(d) Notwithstanding any other law, the repeal of this section
20renders the board subject to review by the appropriate policy
21committees of the Legislature.

22

SEC. 3.  

Section 2922 of the Business and Professions Code is
23amended to read:

24

2922.  

(a) In appointing the members of the board, except the
25public members, the Governor shall use his or her judgment to
26select psychologists who represent, as widely as possible, the varied
27professional interests of psychologists in California.

28(b) The Governor shall appoint two of the public members and
29the five licensed members of the board qualified as provided in
30Section 2923. The Senate Committee on Rules and the Speaker of
31the Assembly shall each appoint a public member.

32(c) This section shall become inoperative on July 1, 2017, and,
33as of January 1, 2018, is repealed.

34

SEC. 4.  

Section 2922 is added to the Business and Professions
35Code
, to read:

36

2922.  

(a) In appointing the licensed members of the board,
37the Governor shall use his or her judgment to select psychologists
38and behavior analysts who represent, as widely as possible, the
39varied professional interests of psychologists and behavior analysts
40in California.

P7    1(b) The Governor shall appoint three of the public members and
2the six licensed members of the board qualified as provided in
3Section 2923. The Senate Committee on Rules and the Speaker of
4the Assembly shall each appoint a public member.

5(c) This section shall become operative on July 1, 2017.

6

SEC. 5.  

Section 2923 of the Business and Professions Code is
7amended to read:

8

2923.  

(a) Each member of the board shall have all of the
9following qualifications:

10(1) He or she shall be a resident of this state.

11(2) Each member appointed, except the public members, shall
12be a licensed psychologist.

13(b) The public members shall not be licentiates of the board or
14of any board under this division or of any board referred to in the
15Chiropractic Act or the Osteopathic Act.

16(c) This section shall become inoperative on July 1, 2017, and,
17as of January 1, 2018, is repealed.

18

SEC. 6.  

Section 2923 is added to the Business and Professions
19Code
, to read:

20

2923.  

(a) Each member of the board shall be a resident of this
21state.

22(b) Five members of the board shall be licensed as psychologists
23under this chapter.

24(c) One member shall bebegin insert licensed as a psychologist andend insert qualified
25to practice behavior analysis, as defined in Section 2999.12, as
26follows:

27(1) For the first appointment after the operative date of this
28section, the member shall hold a certificate as a certified behavior
29analyst from a certifying entity, as defined in Section 2999.12.

30(2) For subsequent appointments, the member shall be licensed
31as a behavior analyst under Chapter 6.7 (commencing with Section
322999.10).

33(d) The public members shall not be licentiates of the board or
34of any board under this division or of any board referred to in the
35Chiropractic Act or the Osteopathic Act.

36(e) This section shall become operative on July 1, 2017.

37

SEC. 7.  

Section 2927 of the Business and Professions Code is
38amended to read:

39

2927.  

(a) Five members of the board shall at all times
40constitute a quorum.

P8    1(b) This section shall become inoperative on July 1, 2017, and,
2as of January 1, 2018, is repealed.

3

SEC. 8.  

Section 2927 is added to the Business and Professions
4Code
, to read:

5

2927.  

(a) Six members of the board shall at all times constitute
6a quorum.

7(b) This section shall become operative on July 1, 2017.

8

SEC. 9.  

Chapter 6.7 (commencing with Section 2999.10) is
9added to Division 2 of the Business and Professions Code, to read:

10 

11Chapter  6.7. Behavior Analysts
12

12 

13Article 1.  General Provisions
14

 

15

2999.10.  

This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the
16Behavior Analyst Act.

17

2999.11.  

(a) The Legislature finds and declares that the practice
18of behavior analysis in California affects the public health, safety,
19and welfare, and is subject to regulation to protect the public from
20the unauthorized and unqualified practice of behavior analysis,
21and unprofessional, unethical, or harmful conduct by persons
22licensed to practice behavior analysis.

23(b) It is the intent of the Legislature that the board begin
24accepting applications for behavior analyst licensure and assistant
25behavior analyst licensure no later than January 1, 2018, provided
26that the funds necessary to implement this chapter have been
27appropriated by the Legislature as specified in Section 2999.98.

28

2999.12.  

For purposes of this chapter, the following terms have
29the following meanings:

30(a) “Board” means the Board of Psychology.

31(b) “Certifying entity” means the Behavior Analyst Certification
32Board or its successor, or another national credentialing
33organization with behavior analyst certification programs approved
34by the board and accredited by the National Commission for
35Certifying Agencies.

36(c) “Committee” means the Behavior Analyst Committee.

37(d) “Department” means the Department of Consumer Affairs.

38(e) “Licensed assistant behavior analyst” means a person
39licensed under this chapter to practice behavior analysis under the
40supervision of a licensed behavior analyst.

P9    1(f) “Licensed behavior analyst” means a person licensed under
2this chapter to practice behavior analysis.

3(g) “Behavior analysis technician” means an individual who
4works directly with a client to implement applied behavior analysis
5services under the direction and supervision of a licensed behavior
6begin delete analyst orend deletebegin insert analyst,end insert a licensed assistant behaviorbegin delete analyst andend deletebegin insert analyst,
7or a licensed psychologist who is qualified to practice behavior
8analysis, andend insert
has successfully completed the application
9requirements described in Section 2999.36.

10(h) (1) “Practice of behavior analysis” or “to practice behavior
11analysis” means the design, implementation, and evaluation of
12instructional and environmental modifications to produce socially
13significant improvements in human behavior and includes the
14empirical identification of functional relations between behavior
15and environmental factors, known as functional assessment and
16analysis, interventions based on scientific research and the direct
17observation and measurement of behavior and the environment,
18and utilization of contextual factors, motivating operations,
19antecedent stimuli, positive reinforcement, and other consequences
20to help people develop new behaviors, increase or decrease existing
21behaviors, and emit behaviors under specific environmental
22conditions.

23(2) The practice of behavior analysis does not include
24psychological testing and assessment, diagnosis of a mental or
25physical disorder, neuropsychology, psychotherapy, cognitive
26therapy, sex therapy, psychoanalysis, hypnotherapy, counseling,
27prescribing drugs, performing surgery, or administering
28electroconvulsive therapy.

29(3) The Legislature recognizes that the scopes of practice of
30healing arts licensees regulated under this division sometimes
31contain similar practices. However, nothing herein shall be
32construed to allow a licensed behavior analyst or a licensed
33assistant behavior analyst to engage in those practices, including,
34 but not limited to, assessments, other than specific to their scope
35of practice within behavior analysis as described herein. Any
36person practicing behavior analysis under this chapter who violates
37this provision is subject to disciplinary action by both the Board
38of Psychology and the board overseeing the relevant practice.

 

P10   1Article 2.  Administration
2

 

3

2999.20.  

(a) The Board of Psychology is vested with the power
4to administer the provisions and requirements of this chapter, and
5may make and enforce rules and regulations that are reasonably
6necessary to carry out its provisions.

7(b) This section shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2021,
8and as of that date is repealed. Notwithstanding any other law, the
9repeal of this section renders the board subject to review by the
10appropriate policy committees of the Legislature.

11

2999.21.  

Protection of the public shall be the highest priority
12for the board in exercising its licensing, regulatory, and disciplinary
13functions pursuant to this chapter. Whenever the protection of the
14public is inconsistent with other interests sought to be promoted,
15the protection of the public shall be paramount.

16

2999.22.  

The board shall adopt, amend, and repeal regulations
17to implement the requirements of this chapter. All regulations
18adopted by the board shall comply with the provisions of Chapter
193.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of
20Title 2 of the Government Code.

21

2999.23.  

The board shall adopt a program of consumer and
22professional education in matters relevant to the ethical practice
23of behavior analysis. The board shall establish as its standards of
24ethical conduct relating to the practice of behavior analysis, the
25“Professional and Ethical Compliance Code for Behavior Analysts”
26published by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board. These
27standards shall be applied by the board as the accepted standard
28of care in all licensing examination development and in all board
29enforcement policies and disciplinary case evaluations.

30

2999.23.5.  

The board may employ, subject to civil service and
31other laws, employees as may be necessary to carry out the
32provisions of this chapter under the direction of the executive
33officer of the board.

34

2999.24.  

The board shall maintain, and make available to the
35public, a list of all licensees. The board shall make available on
36its Internet Web site information regarding the status of every
37license issued by the board under this chapter pursuant to Section
3827.

39

2999.25.  

(a) The Behavior Analyst Committee is hereby
40created within the jurisdiction of the board to make
P11   1recommendations to the board regarding the regulation of the
2practice of behavior analysis in the state in order to protect the
3public from the unauthorized and unqualified practice of applied
4behavior analysis, and unprofessional, unethical, or harmful
5conduct by persons licensed to practice behavior analysis.

6(b) The committee shall consist of five members. Two members
7shall be licensed behavior analysts, one of which shall also be a
8member of the board. One member shall be a psychologist licensed
9under Chapter 6.6 (commencing with Section 2900) and who holds
10a current certification from a certifying entity as a behavior analyst.
11One member shall be a licensed assistant behavior analyst. One
12member shall be a public member who is not licensed under this
13chapter, under any chapter within this division, or by any board
14referred to in the Chiropractic Act or the Osteopathic Act.

15(c) The Governor shall appoint one licensed behavior analyst
16member, the licensed psychologist member, and the licensed
17assistant behavior analyst member. The Senate Committee on
18Rules shall appoint the public member, and the Speaker of the
19Assembly shall appoint one licensed behavior analyst member.

20(d) Notwithstanding subdivisions (b) and (c), the initially
21appointed members of the committee shall be appointed as follows:

22(1) The initial members appointed by the Governor shall be as
23follows:

24(A) One member shall be currently certified by a certifying
25entity as a certified behavior analyst and shall serve an initial term
26of one year.

27(B) One member shall be currently certified by a certifying
28entity as a certified assistant behavior analyst and shall serve an
29initial term of two years.

30(C) One member shall be a licensed psychologist who is
31currently certified by a certifying entity as a certified behavior
32analyst and shall serve an initial term of three years.

33(2) The initial member appointed by the Senate Committee on
34Rules shall serve a term of four years.

35(3) The initial member appointed by the Speaker of the
36Assembly shall be currently certified by a certifying entity as a
37certified behavior analyst and shall serve an initial term of four
38years.

39(e) Except as provided in subdivision (d), each member of the
40committee shall hold office for a term of four years, and shall serve
P12   1until the appointment of his or her successor or until one year has
2elapsed since the expiration of the term for which he or she was
3appointed, whichever occurs first. Vacancies shall be filled by the
4appointing power for the unexpired portion of the terms in which
5they occur. A member shall not serve for more than two
6consecutive terms.

7(f) All terms shall begin on July 1 and expire on June 30.

8(g) Each member of the committee shall receive per diem and
9expenses as provided in Sections 103 and 113.

10(h) Three members of the committee shall at all times constitute
11a quorum.

12(i) This section shall become operative on July 1, 2017.

13(j) This section shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2021,
14and as of that date is repealed. Notwithstanding any other law, the
15repeal of this section renders the committee subject to review by
16the appropriate policy committees of the Legislature.

17

2999.26.  

The committee shall do all of the following:

18(a) Meet at least once per quarter. All meetings of the committee
19shall be public meetings. Notice of each regular meeting of the
20committee shall be given in accordance with the Bagley-Keene
21Open Meeting Act (Article 9 (commencing with Section 11120)
22of Chapter 1 of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government
23Code).

24(b) Committee meetings may be called upon reasonable notice
25at the discretion of the chair, and shall be called at any time upon
26reasonable notice by a written request of two committee members
27to the chair.

28(c) The committee shall elect a chair and a vice chair from
29among its members at the first meeting held in each fiscal year.
30The chair shall preside at all meetings of the committee and shall
31work with the executive officer of the board to coordinate the
32committee’s business. If the chair is unable to attend a meeting,
33the vice chair shall preside at the meeting.

34

2999.27.  

(a) The committee may make recommendations to
35the board regarding licensing and practice standards.

36(b) The committee may make recommendations to the board
37regarding the adoption, amendment, and repeal of regulations to
38implement the requirements of this chapter including, but not
39limited to, the setting of fees and the establishment of disciplinary
40guidelines.

 

P10   1Article 3.  Licensing
2

 

3

2999.30.  

To qualify for licensure as a licensed behavior analyst
4or a licensed assistant behavior analyst, each applicant shall meet
5the board’s regulatory requirements for behavior analyst or assistant
6behavior analyst licensure, as applicable, including all of the
7following:

8(a) The applicant has not committed acts or crimes constituting
9grounds for denial of licensure under Section 480.

10(b) The board shall not issue a license or registration to any
11person who has been convicted of a crime in this state, or another
12state, or in a territory of the United States that involves sexual
13abuse of a child, or who is required to register pursuant to Section
14290 of the Penal Code or the equivalent in another state or territory.

15(c) The applicant has successfully passed a state and federal
16level criminal offender record information search conducted
17through the Department of Justice, as follows:

18(1) The board shall request from the Department of Justice
19subsequent arrest notification service, pursuant to Section 11105.2
20of the Penal Code, for each person who submitted information
21pursuant to this subdivision.

22(2) The Department of Justice shall charge a fee sufficient to
23cover the cost of processing the request described in this section.

24

2999.31.  

(a) In order to obtain a license as a behavior analyst,
25an individual shall submit an application on a form approved by
26the board accompanied by the fees required by the board as
27specified in Section 2999.93.

28(b) An applicant shall include, with the application, verification
29from the certifying entity that the applicant meets both of the
30following requirements:

31(1) Has passed the Board Certified Behavior Analyst
32examination or an equivalent examination administered by the
33certifying entity.

34(2) Maintains an active status as a certified behavior analyst
35with the certifying entity.

36(c) Each applicant shall obtain a passing score on a California
37law and ethics examination administered by the board.

38(d) This section shall become inoperative on July 1, 2018. An
39applicant who submits his or her application prior to July 1, 2018,
P14   1shall be required to meet the requirements of this section to be
2licensed by the board.

3(e) This section shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2019,
4and as of that date is repealed.

5

2999.32.  

(a) In order to obtain a license as a behavior analyst,
6an individual shall submit an application on a form approved by
7the board accompanied by the fees required by the board as
8specified in Section 2999.93.

9(b) An applicant shall include, with the application, verification
10from the certifying entity that the applicant meets both of the
11following requirements:

12(1) Has passed the Board Certified Behavior Analyst
13examination or an equivalent examination administered by the
14certifying entity.

15(2) Maintains an active status as a certified behavior analyst
16with the certifying entity.

17(c) Each applicant shall obtain a passing score on a California
18law and ethics examination administered by the board.

19(d) The applicant shall possess a master’s degree or higher level
20of education from an institution, which meets the requirements
21described in Section 2999.35, that was conferred in behavior
22analysis, psychology, or education, or conferred in a degree
23program in which the applicant completed a behavior analysis
24course sequence approved by the certifyingbegin delete entity.end deletebegin insert entity or
25otherwise deemed an applicable equivalent by the certifying entity.end insert

26(e) In addition to subdivisions (a) to (d), inclusive, an individual
27shall meet one of the following paragraphs in order to be licensed
28under this chapter:

29(1) An individual shall have completed both of the following:

30(A) Two hundred seventy hours of classroom graduate-level
31instruction in all of the following content areas:

32(i) Ethical and professional conduct coursework consisting of
3345 hours. The content must be taught in one or more freestanding
34courses devoted to ethical and professional conduct of behavior
35analysts.

36(ii) Concepts and principles of behavior analysis consisting of
3745 hours.

38(iii) Research methods in behavior analysis, consisting of 25
39hours of measurement, including data analysis, and 20 hours of
40experimental design.

P15   1(iv) Applied behavior analysis, consisting of 45 hours of
2fundamental elements of behavior change and specific behavior
3change procedures, 30 hours of identification of the problem and
4assessment, 10 hours of intervention and behavior change
5considerations, 10 hours of behavior change systems, and 10 hours
6of implementation, management, and supervision.

7(v) Elective coursework in behavior analysis consisting of 30
8hours.

9(B) Supervised experiential training by any of the following:

10(i) One thousand five hundred hours of independent field work
11in behavior analysis supervised in accordance with the requirements
12of the certifying entity.

13(ii) One thousand hours of supervised practicum in behavior
14analysis within a university practicum approved by the certifying
15entity, taken for graduate academic credit, and completed with a
16passing grade.

17(iii) Seven hundred fifty hours of supervised intensive practicum
18in behavior analysis within a university practicum approved by
19the certifying entity, taken for graduate academic credit, and
20completed with a passing grade.

21(iv) A combination of the supervised experience in clause (i),
22(ii), or (iii). Hours may be completed in any combination of the
23categories of supervised experience. Hours accrued through a
24combination of supervised experience shall be proportionately
25calculated.

26(2) An individual shall meet all of the following requirements:

27(A) Have a faculty appointment of at least three years,
28cumulatively, of full-time work as a faculty member at a fully
29accredited higher education institution within a five-year period.

30(B) Taught at least five sections or iterations of behavior analysis
31coursework. An applicant shall have taught at least two behavior
32analysis content areas, which are concepts and principles of
33behavior, single-subject research methods, applied behavior
34analysis, and ethics in behavior analysis, in separate courses. Each
35course taught shall have been exclusively or primarily devoted to
36behavior analysis content, and shall have been taught at the
37graduate level. An applicant shall submit proof of completion of
38the faculty appointment and teaching requirements from a
39department head, including the syllabus for each course taught, to
40the board.

P16   1(C) Published one article with all of the following
2characteristics:

3(i) Behavior analytic in nature.

4(ii) Includes at least one experimental evaluation.

5(iii) Published in a high-quality, peer reviewed journal.

6(iv) The applicant is the first, second, or corresponding author.

7(v) The article may have been published at any time during the
8applicant’s career.

9(D) Obtained supervised experiential training by any of the
10following:

11(i) One thousand five hundred hours of independent field work
12in behavior analysis supervised in accordance with the requirements
13of the certifying entity.

14(ii) One thousand hours of supervised practicum in behavior
15analysis within a university practicum approved by the certifying
16entity, taken for graduate academic credit, and completed with a
17passing grade.

18(iii) Seven hundred fifty hours of supervised intensive practicum
19in behavior analysis within a university practicum approved by
20the certifying entity, taken for graduate credit, and completed with
21a passing grade.

22(iv) A combination of the supervised experience in clause (i),
23(ii), or (iii). Hours may be completed in any combination of the
24categories of supervised experience. Hours accrued through a
25combination of supervised experience shall be proportionately
26calculated.

27(3) An individual shall have completed all of the following:

28(A) A doctoral degree in behavior analysis, psychology, or
29education from an accredited higher education institution.

30(B) Ten years of postdoctoral experience practicing behavior
31analysis. The duration of practice shall be at least 10 years,
32cumulatively, of full-time practice. An applicant’s practice shall
33have occurred under a relevant state professional credential or
34license.

35(C) At least 500 hours of supplemental supervised experiential
36training that meets current experience standards of the certifying
37entity, commencing after the 10 years of postdoctoral experience
38required in paragraph (b).

39(f) This section shall become operative on July 1, 2018.

P17   1

2999.33.  

(a) To obtain a license as an assistant behavior
2analyst, an individual shall submit an application on a form
3approved by the board accompanied by the fees required by the
4board as specified in Section 2999.93.

5(b) An applicant shall include, with the application, verification
6from the certifying entity that the applicant meets all of the
7following requirements:

8(1) Has passed the Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst
9examination or equivalent examination administered by the
10certifying entity.

11(2) Maintains an active status as a certified assistant behavior
12analyst with the certifying entity.

13(c) Each applicant shall obtain a passing score on a California
14law and ethics examination administered by the board.

15(d) Each applicant shall provide proof to the board of ongoing
16supervision by a licensed behavior analyst or a licensed
17psychologist who is qualified to practice behavior analysis in a
18manner consistent with the certifying entity’s requirements for
19supervision of assistant behavior analysts.

20(e) This section shall become inoperative on July 1, 2018. An
21applicant who submits his or her application prior to July 1, 2018,
22shall be required to meet the requirements of this section to be
23licensed by the board.

24(f) This section shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2019,
25and as of that date is repealed.

26

2999.34.  

(a) In order for an individual to be licensed as an
27assistant behavior analyst under this chapter, he or she shall possess
28a baccalaureate degree or higher level of education from an
29institution that meets the requirements described in Section
302999.35.

31(b) An applicant shall include, with the application, verification
32from the certifying entity that the applicant meets both of the
33following requirements:

34(1) Has passed the Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst
35examination or an equivalent examination administered by the
36certifying entity.

37(2) Maintains an active status as a certified assistant behavior
38analyst with the certifying entity.

39(c) Each applicant shall obtain a passing score on a California
40law and ethics examination administered by the board.

P18   1(d) Each applicant shall provide proof to the board of ongoing
2supervision by a licensed behavior analyst or a licensed
3psychologist who is qualified to practice behavior analysis in a
4manner consistent with the certifying entity’s requirements for
5supervision of assistant behavior analysts.

6(e) In addition to subdivisions (a) to (d), inclusive, an individual
7shall meet all of the following requirements in order to be licensed
8under this chapter:

9(1) Completed a baccalaureate degree or higher level of
10education from an institution that meets the requirements in Section
112999.35.

12(2) An applicant shall meet both of the following:

13(A) Completed 180 classroom hours of undergraduate or
14graduate level instruction in all of the following content areas:

15(i) Ethical and professional conduct coursework of behavior
16analysis consisting of 15 hours.

17(ii) Concepts and principles of behavior analysis consisting of
1845 hours.

19(iii) Research methods in behavior analysis, consisting of 10
20hours of measurement, including data analysis, and five hours of
21experimental design.

22(iv) Applied behavior analysis, consisting of 45 hours of
23fundamental elements of behavior change and specific behavior
24change procedures, 30 hours of identification of the problem and
25assessment, five hours of intervention and behavior change
26considerations, five hours of behavior change systems, and five
27hours of implementation, management, and supervision.

28(v) Elective coursework in behavior analysis consisting of 15
29hours.

30(B) Obtained supervised experiential training by any of the
31following:

32(i) One thousand hours of independent field work in behavior
33analysis supervised in accordance with the requirements of the
34certifying entity, taken for academic credit, and completed with a
35passing grade.

36(ii) Six hundred seventy hours of supervised practicum in
37behavior analysis within a university practicum approved by the
38certifying entity, taken for academic credit, and completed with a
39passing grade.

P19   1(iii) Five hundred hours of supervised intensive practicum in
2behavior analysis within a university practicum approved by the
3certifying entity, taken for academic credit, and completed with a
4passing grade.

5(iv) A combination of the supervised experience in clause (i),
6(ii), or (iii). Hours may be completed in any combination of the
7categories of supervised experience. Hours accrued through a
8combination of supervised experience shall be proportionately
9calculated.

10(f) This section shall become operative on July 1, 2018.

11

2999.35.  

The education required to obtain a behavior analyst
12license or an assistant behavior analyst license shall be from any
13of the following:

14(a) A United States institution of higher education listed by the
15Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

16(b) A Canadian institution of higher education that is a member
17of the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada or the
18Association of Canadian Community Colleges.

19(c) An applicant for licensure trained in an educational
20institution outside the United States or Canada shall demonstrate
21to the satisfaction of the board that he or she possesses a degree
22in a relevant subject that is equivalent to a degree earned from a
23regionally accredited university in the United States or Canada.
24Such an applicant shall provide to the board a comprehensive
25evaluation of the degree performed by a foreign credential service
26that is a member of the National Association of Credential
27Evaluation Services (NACES), and any other documentation that
28the board deems necessary.

29

2999.36.  

(a) Behavior analysis technicians practicing in this
30state under thebegin insert direction andend insert supervision of an individual licensed
31under this chapter or a licensed psychologist who is qualified to
32practice behavior analysis shall satisfy all of the following
33requirements:

34(1) Be at least 18 years of age and possess a minimum of a high
35school diploma or its equivalent.

36(2) Submit an application on a form approved by the board.

37(3) Submit fingerprint images to the California Department of
38Justice for a state and federal criminal background report within
3914 days from the date of application.

P20   1(4) Annually pay an application fee, in an amount not to exceed
2a reasonable regulatory cost, to be determined by the board.

3(b) The board may deny or revoke acceptance of an application
4under this section if it is determined to be in the best interest of
5public safety and welfare, as described in Section 2999.21.

6

2999.36.5.  

On and after July 1, 2018, it shall be unlawful for
7any person to engage in any of the following acts:

8(a) Engage in the practice of behavior analysis, as defined in
9Section 2999.12, without first having complied with the provisions
10of this chapter and without holding a current, valid, and active
11license as required by this chapter.

12(b) Represent himself or herself by the title “licensed behavior
13analyst,” or “licensed assistant behavior analyst” without being
14duly licensed according to the provisions of this chapter.

15(c) Make any use of any title, words, letters, or abbreviations
16that may reasonably be confused with a designation provided by
17this chapter to denote a standard of professional or occupational
18competence without being duly licensed.

19(d) Materially refuse to furnish the board information or records
20required or requested pursuant to this chapter.

21

2999.37.  

This chapter does not apply to any of the following:

22(a) An individual licensed to practice psychology in this state
23under Chapter 6.6 (commencing with Section 2900), if the practice
24of behavior analysis engaged in by the licensed psychologist is
25within the licensed psychologist’s training and competence.

26(b) A speech-language pathologist or an audiologist licensed
27under Chapter 5.3 (commencing with Section 2530), an
28occupational therapist licensed under Chapter 5.6 (commencing
29with Section 2570), a physical therapist licensed under Chapter
305.7 (commencing with Section 2600), a marriage and family
31therapist licensed under Chapter 13 (commencing with Section
324980), an educational psychologist licensed under Chapter 13.5
33(commencing with Section 4989.10), a clinical social worker
34licensed under Chapter 14 (commencing with Section 4991), or a
35professional clinical counselor licensed under Chapter 16
36(commencing with Section 4999.10), if the services provided by
37any of those licensees are within his or her licensed scope of
38practice and within the scope of his or her training and competence,
39provided that he or she does not represent himself or herself as a
40licensed behavior analyst or licensed assistant behavior analyst.

P21   1(c) A student or other individual pursuing supervised experience
2for any of the following:

3(1) Experiential training toward a license described in this
4chapter in accordance with this chapter.

5(2) Experience in behavior analysis toward a license described
6in subdivision (a) or (b) in accordance with the requirements of
7the respective licensure act in this division.

8(3) As part of a defined program of study, course, practicum,
9internship, or postdoctoral program, provided that the behavior
10analysis activities are directly supervised by a licensed behavior
11analyst, a licensed psychologist, or by an instructor in a course
12sequence approved by a certifying entity.

13(d) A parent or guardian of a recipient of behavior analysis
14services who acts under the direction of a licensed behavior analyst
15or licensed assistant behavior analyst.

16(e) An individual who teaches behavior analysis or conducts
17behavior analysis research, provided that such teaching or research
18does not involve the direct delivery of behavior analysis services.

19(f) A behavior analyst licensed in another state or certified by
20the certifying entity to practice independently, and who temporarily
21provides behavior analysis services in California during a period
22of not more than 90 days in a calendar year.

23(g) An individual who is vendorized by one or more regional
24centers of the State Department of Developmental Services while
25practicing behavior analysis services authorized under that
26vendorization. That individual shall not represent himself or herself
27as a licensed behavior analyst or licensed assistant behavior analyst
28unless he or she holds a license under this chapter, and shall not
29offer behavior analysis services to any person or entity other than
30the regional centers with which he or she is vendorized or accept
31remuneration for providing behavior analysis services other than
32the remuneration received from those regional centers unless he
33or she holds a license under this chapter.

34(h) An individual employed by a local educational agency for
35the purpose of assisting students with behavioral and developmental
36issues when in classroom and other school settings.

37

2999.41.  

A licensee shall give written notice to the board of a
38name change within 30 days after each change, giving both the
39old and new names. A copy of the legal document authorizing the
P22   1name change, such as a court order or marriage certificate, shall
2be submitted with the notice.

3

2999.44.  

(a) A license shall expire and become invalid two
4years after it is issued at 12 midnight on the last day of the month
5in which it was issued, if not renewed.

6(b) To renew an unexpired license, the licensee shall, on or
7before the date on which it would otherwise expire, apply for
8renewal on a form provided by the board, accompanied by the
9renewal fee set by the board. The licensee shall include verification
10from the certifying entity that he or she maintains an active
11certification status with the renewal form.

12(c) To renew an assistant behavior analyst license, in addition
13to the requirements in subdivision (b), the licensee shall submit
14proof of ongoing supervision by a licensed behavior analyst or a
15licensed psychologist who is qualified to practice behavior analysis
16in a manner consistent with the board’s requirements for
17supervision of assistant behavior analysts.

18

2999.45.  

(a) A license that has expired may be renewed at any
19time within three years after its expiration by applying for renewal
20on a form provided by the board, payment of all accrued and unpaid
21renewal fees, and the delinquency fee specified in Section 2999.93.
22The licensee shall include verification from the certifying entity
23that he or she maintains an active certification status with the
24renewal form.

25(b) Except as provided in Section 2999.46.5, a license that is
26not renewed within three years of its expiration shall not be
27renewed, restored, or reinstated, and the license shall be canceled
28immediately upon expiration of the three-year period.

29

2999.46.  

(a) The board shall not issue any renewal license, a
30new license after expiration of an expired license, or a reinstatement
31license unless the applicant submits proof that he or she has
32completed not less than 32 hours of approved continuing education
33in the preceding two-year licensure cycle for licensed behavior
34analysts and 20 hours of approved continuing education in the
35preceding two-year licensure cycle for licensed assistant behavior
36analysts.

37(b) Each person renewing or reinstating his or her license or
38obtaining a new license after expiration of a prior license issued
39pursuant to this chapter shall submit proof of compliance with this
40section to the board.

P23   1(c) A person applying for renewal, a new license after expiration
2of a prior license, or reinstatement to an active license status shall
3certify under penalty of perjury that he or she is in compliance
4with this section.

5(d) The board may recognize continuing education courses that
6have been approved by one or more private nonprofit organizations
7that have at least 10 years’ experience managing continuing
8education programs for behavior analysts.

9(e) The board shall adopt regulations as necessary for
10implementation of this section.

11

2999.46.5.  

(a) A suspended license is subject to expiration
12and shall be renewed as provided in this article, but such renewal
13does not entitle the licensee, while the license remains suspended,
14and until it is reinstated, to engage in the licensed activity or in
15any other activity or conduct in violation of the order or judgment
16by which the license was suspended.

17(b) A license revoked on disciplinary grounds is subject to
18expiration as provided in this article, but it may not be renewed.
19If it is reinstated after its expiration, the licensee, as a condition
20of reinstatement, shall pay a reinstatement fee in an amount equal
21to the renewal fee, plus the delinquency fee, and any fees accrued
22at the time of its revocation.

23 

24Article 4.  Enforcement
25

 

26

2999.60.  

The board may on its own, and shall, upon the receipt
27of a complaint from any person, investigate the actions of any
28licensee. The board shall review a licensee’s alleged violation of
29statute, regulation, or any other law and any other complaint
30referred to it by the public, a public agency, or the department,
31and may upon a finding of a violation take disciplinary action
32under this article.

33

2999.61.  

A license issued under this chapter may be denied,
34revoked, or otherwise sanctioned upon demonstration of
35ineligibility for licensure, including, but not limited to, failure to
36maintain active certification by the certifying entity or falsification
37of documentation submitted to the board for licensure or submitted
38to the certifying authority for certification.

39

2999.62.  

The board may deny a license application, may issue
40a license with terms and conditions, may suspend or revoke a
P24   1license, or may place a license on probation if the applicant or
2licensee has been guilty of unprofessional conduct. Unprofessional
3conduct shall include, but not be limited to:

4(a) Conviction of a crime substantially related to the
5qualifications, functions, or duties of a licensed behavior analyst
6or a licensed assistant behavior analyst.

7(b) Use of any controlled substance as defined in Division 10
8(commencing with Section 11000) of the Health and Safety Code,
9dangerous drug, or any alcoholic beverage to an extent or in a
10manner dangerous to himself or herself, any other person, or the
11public, or to an extent that this use impairs his or her ability to
12safely perform the practice of behavior analysis.

13(c) Fraudulently or neglectfully misrepresenting the type or
14status of a license actually held.

15(d) Impersonating another person holding a license or allowing
16another person to use his or her license.

17(e) Use of fraud or deception in applying for a license or in
18passing any examination required by this chapter.

19(f) Paying, offering to pay, accepting, or soliciting any
20consideration, compensation, or remuneration, whether monetary
21or otherwise, for the referral of clients.

22(g) Violating Section 17500.

23(h) Willful, unauthorized communication of information
24received in professional confidence.

25(i) Violating any rule of professional conduct promulgated by
26the board and set forth in regulations duly adopted under this
27chapter.

28(j) Being grossly negligent in the practice of his or her
29profession.

30(k) Violating any of the provisions of this chapter or regulations
31duly adopted thereunder.

32(l) The aiding or abetting of any person to engage in the unlawful
33practice of behavior analysis.

34(m) The suspension, revocation, or imposition of probationary
35conditions or other disciplinary action by another state or country
36of a license, certificate, or registration to practice behavior analysis
37issued by that state or country to a person also holding a license
38issued under this chapter if the act for which the disciplinary action
39was taken constitutes a violation of this section. A certified copy
P25   1of the decision or judgment of the other state or country shall be
2conclusive evidence of that action.

3(n) The commission of any dishonest, corrupt, or fraudulent act.

4(o) Any act of sexual abuse or sexual relations with a patient or
5former patient within two years following termination of therapy,
6or sexual misconduct that is related to the qualifications, functions,
7or duties of a licensed behavior analyst or a licensed assistant
8behavior analyst.

9(p) Functioning outside of his or her particular field or fields of
10competence as established by his or her education, training, and
11experience.

12(q) Willful failure to submit, on behalf of an applicant for
13licensure, verification of supervised experience to the board.

14(r) Repeated acts of negligence.

15(s) Failure to comply with all ethical and disciplinary standards
16published by the certifying entity.

17

2999.63.  

(a) Except as provided in subdivisions (b), (c), and
18(e), any accusation filed against a licensee pursuant to Section
1911503 of the Government Code shall be filed within three years
20from the date the board discovers the alleged act or omission that
21is the basis for disciplinary action, or within seven years from the
22date the alleged act or omission that is the basis for disciplinary
23action occurred, whichever occurs first.

24(b) An accusation filed against a licensee pursuant to Section
2511503 of the Government Code alleging the procurement of a
26license by fraud or misrepresentation is not subject to the
27limitations set forth in subdivision (a).

28(c) The limitation provided for by subdivision (a) shall be tolled
29for the length of time required to obtain compliance when a report
30required to be filed by the licensee or registrant with the board
31pursuant to Article 11 (commencing with Section 800) of Chapter
321 is not filed in a timely fashion.

33(d) If an alleged act or omission involves a minor, the seven-year
34limitations period provided for by subdivision (a) and the 10-year
35limitations period provided for by subdivision (e) shall be tolled
36until the minor reaches the age of majority.

37(e) An accusation filed against a licensee pursuant to Section
3811503 of the Government Code alleging sexual misconduct shall
39be filed within three years after the board discovers the act or
40 omission alleged as the ground for disciplinary action, or within
P26   110 years after the act or omission alleged as the ground for
2disciplinary action occurs, whichever occurs first.

3(f) The limitations period provided by subdivision (a) shall be
4tolled during any period if material evidence necessary for
5prosecuting or determining whether a disciplinary action would
6be appropriate is unavailable to the board due to an ongoing
7criminal investigation.

8

2999.64.  

Notwithstanding Section 2999.62, any proposed
9decision or decisions issued under this chapter in accordance with
10the procedures set forth in Chapter 5 (commencing with Section
1111500) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code
12that contains any finding of fact that the licensee engaged in any
13act of sexual contact, as defined in Section 728, when that act is
14with a patient, or with a former patient, within two years following
15termination of services, shall contain an order of revocation. The
16revocation shall not be stayed by the administrative law judge.

17

2999.66.  

The board may deny an application for, or issue
18subject to terms and conditions, or suspend or revoke, or impose
19probationary conditions upon, a license or registration after a
20hearing as provided in Section 2999.70.

21

2999.67.  

A plea or verdict of guilty or a conviction following
22a plea of nolo contendere made to a charge which is substantially
23related to the qualifications, functions, and duties of a licensed
24behavior analyst or licensed assistant behavior analyst is deemed
25to be a conviction within the meaning of this article. The board
26may order the license suspended or revoked, or may decline to
27issue a license when the time for appeal has elapsed, the judgment
28of conviction has been affirmed on appeal, or when an order
29granting probation is made suspending the imposition of sentence,
30irrespective of a subsequent order under Section 1203.4 of the
31Penal Code allowing the person to withdraw his or her plea of
32guilty and to enter a plea of not guilty, or setting aside the verdict
33of guilty, or dismissing the accusation, information, or indictment.

34

2999.68.  

Any person required to register as a sex offender
35pursuant to Section 290 of the Penal Code, is not eligible for
36licensure by the board.

37

2999.69.  

An administrative disciplinary decision that imposes
38terms of probation may include, among other things, a requirement
39that the licensee who is being placed on probation pay the monetary
40costs associated with monitoring the probation.

P27   1

2999.70.  

The proceedings under this article shall be conducted
2by the board in accordance with Chapter 5 (commencing with
3Section 11500) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government
4Code.

5

2999.80.  

A person who violates any of the provisions of this
6chapter is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment
7in a county jail not exceeding six months or by a fine not exceeding
8two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500), or by both that fine
9and imprisonment.

10

2999.81.  

In addition to other proceedings provided in this
11chapter, whenever any person has engaged, or is about to engage,
12in any acts or practices that constitute, or will constitute, an offense
13against this chapter, the superior court in and for the county
14wherein the acts or practices take place, or are about to take place,
15may issue an injunction or other appropriate order restraining that
16conduct on application of the board, the Attorney General, or the
17district attorney of the county. Proceedings under this section shall
18be governed by Chapter 3 (commencing with Section 525) of Title
197 of Part 2 of the Code of Civil Procedure, except that it shall be
20presumed that there is no adequate remedy at law and that
21irreparable damage will occur if the continued violation is not
22restrained or enjoined. On the written request of the board, or on
23its own motion, the board may commence an action in the superior
24court under this section.

25

2999.83.  

(a) (1) A licensee who fails or refuses to comply
26with a request for the medical records of a client, that is
27accompanied by that client’s written authorization for release of
28those records to the board, within 15 days of receiving the request
29and authorization, shall pay to the board a civil penalty of one
30thousand dollars ($1,000) per day for each day that the documents
31have not been produced after the 15th day, unless the licensee is
32unable to provide the documents within this time period for good
33cause.

34(2) A health care facility shall comply with a request for the
35medical records of a client that is accompanied by that client’s
36written authorization for release of records to the board together
37with a notice citing this section and describing the penalties for
38failure to comply with this section. Failure to provide the
39authorizing client’s medical records to the board within 30 days
40of receiving the request, authorization, and notice shall subject the
P28   1health care facility to a civil penalty, payable to the board, of up
2to one thousand dollars ($1,000) per day for each day that the
3documents have not been produced after the 30th day, up to ten
4thousand dollars ($10,000), unless the health care facility is unable
5to provide the documents within this time period for good cause.
6This paragraph shall not require health care facilities to assist the
7board in obtaining the client’s authorization. The board shall pay
8the reasonable costs of copying the medical records.

9(b) (1) A licensee who fails or refuses to comply with a court
10order, issued in the enforcement of a subpoena, mandating the
11release of records to the board shall pay to the board a civil penalty
12of one thousand dollars ($1,000) per day for each day that the
13documents have not been produced after the date by which the
14court order requires the documents to be produced, unless it is
15determined that the order is unlawful or invalid. Any statute of
16limitations applicable to the filing of an accusation by the board
17shall be tolled during the period the licensee is out of compliance
18with the court order and during any related appeals.

19(2) Any licensee who fails or refuses to comply with a court
20order, issued in the enforcement of a subpoena, mandating the
21release of records to the board, shall be subject to a civil penalty,
22payable to the board,begin delete ofend deletebegin insert in an amountend insert not to exceed five thousand
23dollars ($5,000). The amount of the penalty shall be added to the
24licensee’s renewal fee if it is not paid by the next succeeding
25renewal date. Any statute of limitations applicable to the filing of
26an accusation by the board shall be tolled during the period the
27licensee is out of compliance with the court order and during any
28related appeals.

29(3) A health care facility that fails or refuses to comply with a
30court order, issued in the enforcement of a subpoena, mandating
31the release of client records to the board, that is accompanied by
32a notice citing this section and describing the penalties for failure
33to comply with this section, shall pay to the board a civil penalty
34of up to one thousand dollars ($1,000) per day for each day that
35the documents have not been produced, up to ten thousand dollars
36($10,000), after the date by which the court order requires the
37documents to be produced, unless it is determined that the order
38is unlawful or invalid. Any statute of limitations applicable to the
39filing of an accusation by the board against a licensee shall be
P29   1tolled during the period the health care facility is out of compliance
2with the court order and during any related appeals.

3(4) Any health care facility that fails or refuses to comply with
4a court order, issued in the enforcement of a subpoena, mandating
5the release of records to the board, shall be subject to a civil
6penalty, payable to the board,begin delete ofend deletebegin insert in an amountend insert not to exceed five
7thousand dollars ($5,000). Any statute of limitations applicable to
8the filing of an accusation by the board against a licensee shall be
9tolled during the period the health care facility is out of compliance
10with the court order and during any related appeals.

11(c) Multiple acts by a licensee in violation of subdivision (b)
12shall be a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed five
13thousand dollars ($5,000) or by imprisonment in a county jail not
14exceeding six months, or by both that fine and imprisonment.
15Multiple acts by a health care facility in violation of subdivision
16(b) shall be a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed five
17thousand dollars ($5,000) and shall be reported to the State
18Department of Health Care Services and shall be considered as
19grounds for disciplinary action with respect to licensure, including
20suspension or revocation of the license or certificate.

21(d) A failure or refusal of a licensee to comply with a court
22order, issued in the enforcement of a subpoena, mandating the
23release of records to the board constitutes unprofessional conduct
24and is grounds for suspension or revocation of his or her license.

25(e) The imposition of the civil penalties authorized by this
26section shall be in accordance with the Administrative Procedure
27Act (Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 11500) of Part 1 of
28Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code).

29(f) For purposes of this section, “health care facility” means a
30clinic or health facility licensed or exempt from licensure pursuant
31to Division 2 (commencing with Section 1200) of the Health and
32Safety Code.

33 

34Article 5.  Revenue
35

 

36

2999.90.  

The board shall report each month to the Controller
37the amount and source of all revenue received pursuant to this
38chapter and at the same time deposit the entire amount thereof in
39the State Treasury for credit to the Psychology Fund established
40by Section 2980.

P30   1

2999.91.  

(a) The moneys credited to the Psychology Fund
2under Section 2999.90 shall, upon appropriation by the Legislature,
3be used for the purposes of carrying out and enforcing the
4provisions of this chapter.

5(b) The board shall keep records that will reasonably ensure
6that funds expended in the administration of each licensing
7category bear a reasonable relation to the revenue derived from
8each category, and shall so notify the department no later than
9May 31 of each year.

10

2999.93.  

The board shall establish fees for the application for
11and the issuance and renewal of licenses to cover, but not exceed,
12the reasonable regulatory costs of the board related to administering
13this chapter. The fees shall be fixed by the board in regulations
14that are duly adopted under this chapter. Fees assessed pursuant
15to this section shall not exceed the following:

16(a) The delinquency fee shall be 50 percent of the biennial
17renewal fee.

18(b) The fee for rescoring an examination shall be twenty dollars
19($20).

20(c) The fee for issuance of a replacement license shall be twenty
21dollars ($20).

22(d) The fee for issuance of a certificate or letter of good standing
23shall be twenty-five dollars ($25).

24

2999.94.  

(a) A person licensed under this chapter is exempt
25from the payment of the renewal fee in any one of the following
26instances:

27(1) While engaged in full-time active service in the United States
28Army, Navy, Air Force, or Marine Corps.

29(2) While in the United States Public Health Service.

30(3) While a volunteer in the Peace Corps or AmeriCorps VISTA.

31(b) Every person exempted from the payment of the renewal
32fee by this section shall not engage in any private practice and
33shall become liable for the fee for the current renewal period upon
34the completion of his or her period of full-time active service and
35shall have a period of 60 days after becoming liable within which
36to pay the fee before the delinquency fee becomes applicable. Any
37person who completes his or her period of full-time active service
38within 60 days of the end of a renewal period is exempt from the
39payment of the renewal fee for that period.

P31   1(c) The time spent in that full-time active service or full-time
2training and active service shall not be included in the computation
3of the three-year period for renewal of an expired license specified
4in Section 2999.45.

5(d) The exemption provided by this section shall not be
6applicable if the person engages in any practice for compensation
7other than full-time service in the United States Army, Navy, Air
8Force, or Marine Corps, in the United States Public Health Service,
9or the Peace Corps or AmeriCorps VISTA.

10

2999.98.  

The licensing and regulatory program under this
11chapter shall be supported from fees assessed to applicants and
12licensees. Startup funds to implement this program shall be derived,
13as a loan, from the Psychology Fund, subject to an appropriation
14by the Legislature in the annual Budget Act. The board shall not
15implement this chapter until funds have been appropriated.

16

SEC. 10.  

No reimbursement is required by this act pursuant to
17Section 6 of Article XIII B of the California Constitution because
18the only costs that may be incurred by a local agency or school
19district will be incurred because this act creates a new crime or
20infraction, eliminates a crime or infraction, or changes the penalty
21for a crime or infraction, within the meaning of Section 17556 of
22the Government Code, or changes the definition of a crime within
23the meaning of Section 6 of Article XIII B of the California
24Constitution.



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