Maryland will reimburse behavior technicians for autism services

The Department of Health must reimburse applied behavior analysis services provided by registered behavior technicians. The services must be provided to Maryland Medical Assistance recipients with autism spectrum disorder by technicians working under a licensed psychologist or a board-certified behavior analyst. The technician must meet the Department's program requirements in regulation. The law may lose all force if the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services advises by June 30, 2027, that this requirement conflicts with federal law. This requirement applies prospectively beginning October 1, 2026, and does not apply to services provided before that date.

The Department generally may not require a separate certification for a registered behavior technician as a condition of reimbursement, but it may require certification within 150 days after the technician starts providing services and require the certification to remain current. This rule covers individuals providing applied behavior analysis services as registered behavior technicians to Maryland Medical Assistance recipients with autism spectrum disorder. The possible certification must come from the Behavior Analyst Certification Board or another credentialing organization the Department recognizes. The technician must maintain the certification if the Department requires it. The act may be abrogated if federal officials advise by June 30, 2027, that Section 1 conflicts with federal law. The rule applies prospectively beginning October 1, 2026; any allowed certification deadline begins when the individual starts providing services to Program recipients.