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Annual FABA Research Awards Criteria

(Sustainable World Research and Skinner Foundation Research Awards)


 

The B. F. Skinner Foundation Florida Graduate Student Research Award

In order to be accepted, the packet must contain:

  1. A cover letter with the student’s contact information, where they are attending

    school, their program of study, and what they intend to do with the scholarship. The scholarship can be used for almost anything, but preference will be given to direct research-related use, such as equipment, software, paying data collectors, purchasing reinforcers for participants, etc. For equipment or software, explain how it will be used in the research project. (one page)

  2. A letter of support from a supervising faculty. The letter should attest to the fact that the research is replicating/expanding knowledge in the field of behavior analysis.

  3. An Abstract (500 words or fewer), outlining their research project.

  4. An Introduction indicating why this research is important, how it relates to Baer, Wolf, and Risley (1968, 1987) or Sidman (1960), some supporting literature, and

    the research question. (No more than 3 pages, plus a reference page)

  5. A Methods section indicating the design (ABAB, multiple baseline, etc), the

    number of proposed participants, from where the participants will be recruited, the general timeline of the research, and an overview of the procedures that will be used. Exacting details are not needed, but the reviewer should be able to determine the feasibility of the study from the information provided. (No more than 3 pages)

Criteria:
A. Applicants must be attending a graduate-level program in Florida.
B. Applicants must be members of FABA.
C. The proposal must be for a
student-driven research project, thesis or dissertation approved by their department of study.
D. Applicants do not have to be in a behavior analysis graduate program, but the research must be behavior analytic in nature. Consideration will be given to proposals that describe research with a focus on observable and measurable behavior (or the products thereof) as the dependent variable and the manipulation of well-defined environmental events as independent variables. Both applied and basic research proposals are encouraged. Applied research proposals should correspond to the guidelines suggested by Baer, Wolf, & Risley (1968, 1987). Basic research proposals should correspond to the criteria set forth in Sidman (1960). Those submitting proposals are encouraged to look to the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis or the Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior for examples of behavior analytic research.

Submission Procedures:

  1. The materials including the cover letter, Abstract, Introduction, Methods, and References sections must be uploaded in the online Award Nomination Form as one Word document.

  2. The entire Word document should not exceed 9 pages, including the reference page.

  3. The Abstract, Introduction and Methods sections will be double spaced, in a

    manuscript 12-point font (such as Times New Roman) with margins set at 1 inch.

  4. The faculty letter of support should be emailed from the supporting professor’s

    email address wihtin 48 hours of completing the nomination submission form to [email protected]


 

Behavior Change for a Sustainable World Research Award

Behavior Change For A Sustainable World: the Ultimate Challenge and Opportunity For Behavior Analysts - Behavior analysis has made valuable contributions to many areas such as improving education, helping people adopt healthier life styles, teaching children with autism, making highways and factories safer, caring for people exhibiting challenging and life-threatening disorders.  However, those who advance and practice the science have paid too little attention to the impact of human behavior on the only home we have. This is changing. Behavior analysts are uniquely poised to contribute to a broad range of interventions to promote the husbandry of our planet's resources, restore damaged ecosystems, and help society prepare for and cope with the inevitable challenges to come. This award seeks to fund a deserving project with this targeted goal

Purpose: To support research using behavior analysis concepts and principles to promote sustainable practices/environmentally friendly behavior change. Any applied, basic, or translational study with a primary goal of increasing understanding of human behavior and environmental preservation/enhancement is eligible for consideration.

Amount:  $500 for 1-year max study/project 

Eligibility: Principle investigator must be a current FABA member prior to applying.

Application: Please submit a three-page maximum write up that includes the background for study; purpose/importance; research question to be addressed; outline of method; commitment to present results at a future FABA conference and (should results warrant) submit an article for publication based on the study. Submissions can be emailed to [email protected].

Below are examples of other associations that support this award:

Maine ABA - https://www.mainebehavioranalysis.org/home/sustainability-research-award/

BABAT - https://babat.org/babat-behavior-change-sustainable-world-research-award-2016/

Bx Analysis Leadership Council - http://www.balcllc.org/balc_studentgrant.html

Selection of awardee: Committee appointed by FABA will review applications and select recipient.

Below are suggested readings and resources: 

 

 

Thank you for reviewing the two research award criteria.

Back to Awards
 

Conference FAQ's


Host Hotel

Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort and Spa (click the hotel name to be linked to their website)
1000 PGA Tour Boulevard
Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida 32082
Phone: (239) 444-1234

The FABA room rate is available for $159/night +$5 resort fee for reservations made before August 15, 2019

Another hotel option within walking distance is 

Hilton Garden Inn Jacksonville/Ponte Vedra (click the hotel name to be linked to their website)

45 PGA Tour Boulevard, Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, 32082

Phone: (904) 280-1661

There is not a specific room block defined for this event.

Dates

September 18-21, 2019

Conference Registration Fees

Advance Registration Only:
$ 195 for a Professional Member Two Day Advance Registration
$ 125 for a Professional Member One Day Advance Registration
$ 120 for Student / Direct Care / Parent  Two Day Advance Registration
$ 85 for Student / Direct Care / Parent  One Day Advance Registration
$ 310 Non-Members Two Day Advance Registration
$ 250 for Non-Members  One Day Advance Registration
$ 88 Advance Workshop Ticket (each) (CEUs included if needed)

When to arrive and leave

The conference officially begins on Thursday, September 19, 2019 at 8 am, and ends on Saturday, September 21th at 12:30.    Pre-Conference workshops are held on Wednesday, September 18th and require an additional ticket purchase.   Post-Conference workshops are held on Saturday from 8:00-11:00 and require an additional ticket purchase.   Please note that on Saturday, conference sessions as well as workshops will be held.

Most attendees will want to arrive by Wednesday evening in order to attend participate in the annual Speed Networking event and the Hospitality Suite.

If you would like to take advantage of the full conference event, departure travel should be planned for Saturday, September 21st after 12:30.  That being said, many people choose to leave on Friday Night after the Inside Behavior Analysis event.   If you choose to stay for Saturday, you may attend the popular Ignites @ Nite! event at 8:00, directly followed by Karaoke and Dancing.

Tentative Schedule

Tuesday, September 17

FABA Store and Packet Pickup open 5:00 pm

Wednesday, September 18

FABA Store and Packet Pickup open 8:00 am
Workshops run from 9:00 am to noon and 1:00 - 4:00 pm
Speed Networking 7:00pm
Hospitality Suite 7:30pm

Thursday, September 19

FABA Store and Registration open 7:00 am
Sessions run from 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Keynote Address 11:00 am
Presidential Social/Poster Session 5:30 pm
Reunions/Company Dinners 8:00 pm

Friday, September 20

FABA Store and Registration open 7:00 am
Sessions run from 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Presidential Address/Business Meeting 11:00 am – 12:30 pm
Ignites @ Nite! – 8:00 pm
Friday Night Social–9:00 pm

Saturday, September 21

Sessions run from 8:00 am - 12:00 pm
Workshops run from 8:00 am - 11:00 am
Closing Invited Address 11:15 am - 12:15 pm

The full agenda will be released in the weeks leading up to the conference, but details are subject to change up to and during the conference.  All sessions on Thursday, Friday and Saturday are open to all conference ticketholders.  Workshops require an additional ticket to attend.

Name badges will be issued to all registered attendees, regardless of registration type, and must be worn at all times to gain entrance to sessions, events, the Exhibit Hall and all other areas of the Convention. One-day registrants will find the day they selected for attendance prominently printed on their badges. Exhibit Hall-only passes indicate limited Convention access. Guests must also wear their badges.

Your badge will not be mailed. You will receive your badge along with additional conference material at the conference packet pickup desk when you arrive.

Registration Cap

This year we will be capping registration at 1,400.   This number is determined by the Fire Marshal as the maximum number of people who can exit the conference area in the event of an emergency.   Please do not plan to show up to the conference just to hang around the exhibit area.   This is the main area of overcrowding.  

On Site Registration

FABA will not be registering attendees on-site.   This event is for preregistered attendees only.

Transportation

Southwest Florida International Airport in Ft. Myers (RSW) is the closest airport, about 13 miles and a 24 minute drive.  The hotel does not offer a shuttle.  The cost of a taxi at RSW is $35 which is a standard charge through MBA, the taxi concessionaire at RSW –http://www.flylcpa.com/taxirates/  Uber is also available at RSW.

Once you get your baggage from baggage claim you can go outside through door #5. There will be a shuttle service/car pickup line that you can get a ride to the hotel. Otherwise you can call one of the below listed companies to pre-arrange a pickup.

A1 Royal Airport Transportation - http://www.a1royallimousine.com/

Majestic Airport Service - http://www.a1royallimousine.com/

Apple Transportation - www.appletransportation.com

Other options for flying:

Miami International Airport (MIA) is approximately a 2 hour drive by car.
Tampa Airport (TPA) is approximately a 2 hour drive by car.
Orlando Airport (MCO) is approximately a 3 hour drive by car.

Parking

Both Valet parking and self-parking are available at the hotel.  FABA does not validate, reimburse or offer discounts on parking rates.

Valet Parking: 45 USD daily
Self-Parking: Free

Weather/Conference Attire

In September, the temperature is an average high of around 90 degrees, with an average low around 75 degrees. Meeting room temperatures tend to be cold. Please bring a light sweater or jacket to all meetings. 

Visas

Should you require an invitation letter for a Visa application for travel to the U.S. to attend the conference, please forward proof of your conference registration to the Jennifer Bonney at [email protected], and a letter will be issued to you.

Accessibility for Registrants with Disabilities

FABA is committed to providing an outstanding experience for all participants.  We strive for full access to the activities of these events based on an awareness of participants' needs and appropriate planning.  Accessibility accommodations relating to mobility, hearing, vision or other areas may be provided.

We ask that requests for reasonable accommodations requests be made as early as possible, and well in advance of the event, so we may best accommodate individual needs and requirements. Onsite requests will be accommodated to the best of our ability; however, available resources may be limited.

For questions or concerns about accessibility at this year’s conference, please contact Leigh Stehlik at [email protected]

Session Room Behavior

Extensive planning goes into scheduling sessions in appropriately sized rooms; however, the popularity of sessions is not always predictable, and overcrowding occasionally occurs. If a session room reaches capacity, attendees must follow the instructions provided by FABA staff, Hyatt Regency staff, volunteers, or security staff. Attendees may be instructed not to stand against the walls or block the aisles or doors, or they may be denied entry if the room is too crowded. FABA is obligated to abide by the guidelines established by the Fire Marshal. If a room reaches full capacity and we do not have your cooperation, the Fire Marshal has the authority to delay or even terminate the session until any problem has been satisfactorily corrected. Please be courteous and respectful to staff and student volunteers when you are directed elsewhere.

Attendees are asked to be respectful of their fellow attendees and to be mindful of potential disruptions during sessions, such as eating food, use of phones or other mobile devices, or the presence of infants and children. Phones and other mobile devices should always be silenced. Attendees should not be photographing presentation slides unless explicit permission has been granted by the presenter(s); please respect the Recording Policy.

Specialized Tracks in:

Animal Behavior (AB)
Autism (AUT)
Community Applications (CA)
Developmental Disabilities (DD)
Education (ED)
Ethical* (ETH)
Professional Issues (PRO)
Mental Health (MH)
Organizational Behavior Management/PM (OBM/PM)
Political & Legal (PL)
Supervision (SUP)
Theoretical/Conceptual/Philosophical (TCP)
Verbal Behavior (VB)

Tracks will be highlighted in the Program to assist you in selecting the best presentations for your needs and interests.

Charging stations for mobile devices are available in each breakout room.   Please be mindful of sharing the charging stations. Do not leave your devices unattended; FABA is not responsible for lost or stolen belongings.

 

 


 

 The FABA 2020 program has been updated to include CEU information for each of the presentations.   Download an updated program below.

Download the 2020 Program 

 


 

 

This year FABA is using BehaviorLive to broadcast our 2020 Virtual Event.   BehaviorLive is a video platform used to host live CEU events for Behavior Analysts. To get started, go to BehaviorLive and create an account.   Remember to use the same email address that you use for your FABA account.

Looking for additional instructions on how BehaviorLive will work for FABA2020?   Click below to download the User Manual.

BehaviorLive User Manual

 

Adapt Behavioral Services is a Florida provider of CEs to Psychologists, LCSW’s, LMFT’s, and LMHC’s.  Note that to earn CEs for FABA events, you will need to print out a copy of your BA CEU certificate for each event and include it along with the form below and mail it to:  Adapt Behavioral Services, c/o FABA CEU Event, 225 S. Swoope Ave. #211, Maitland, FL  32751 

MH/PSY/LMHC CE Form

 

 

Conference Registration Fees

Onsite Registration - After September 11, 2020 (No Cancellations or Refunds at this point)

Onsite registration is registration that is run through the Behavior Live platform, and not through the FABA website

$225 - Full Conference Package Registration, *Includes 17 CEUs, pending attendance verification; Does NOT include FABA membership

Schedule

THURSDAY

8:00 - PATRICK C. FRIMAN, PhD, ABPP - 1.0 BACB CEU 1.0 - MH/PSY CEs
Six Metaphysical Sources of Reinforcement
9:00 - JULIE SMITH, PhD - 1.0 BACB CEU 1.0 - MH/PSY CEs
Making OBM Easier by Digitally Enabling Large-Scale Behavior Change
10:00 - NOOR SYED, PhD, BCBA-D - 1.0 BACB CEU 1.0 - MH/PSY CEs
The Ethics of Behavior Analysis in Schools: Collaboration, Tactics, & Tips
10:55 - MATTHEW NORMAND, PhD, BCBA-D - 1.0 BACB CEU 1.0 - MH/PSY CEs
Get moving! A Programmatic Line of Behavioral Research on Physical Activity With Young Children
12:00 - LUNCH AND LEARN - 1.0 BACB CEU 1.0 - MH/PSY CEs
Panel Discussion with Practitioners on CoVID-19
1:00 - SUNGWOO KAHNG, PhD, BCBA-D - 1.0 BACB CEU 1.0 - MH/PSY CEs
Conducting Functional Analyses is the Ethical Choice
1:55 - SHAHLA ALA'I-ROSALES, PhD, BCBA-D - 1.0 BACB CEU 1.0 - MH/PSY CEs
Dialogues to Transform: Social Justice, Coloniality, and Behavior Analysis 
3:00 - TYRA SELLERS, JD, PhD, BCBA-D - 1.0 BACB CEU 1.0 - MH/PSY CEs
Strategies for Incorporating Ethics Content into Supervised Fieldwork Experience 
4:00 - Panel Discussion with APD, AHCA & CASP - 1.0 BACB CEU
Providing Behavior Analysis Services During the COVID-19 Crisis and Beyond
5:00 - 7:00 Exhibits Open
7:00 - Tropical Trivia

  

FRIDAY

8:00 - KAREN TOUSSAINT, PhD, BCBA-D - 1.0 BACB CEU 1.0 - MH/PSY CEs
A Comparative Evaluation of Functional Analytic Methods
9:00 - JON BAILEY, PhD, BCBA-D - 1.0 BACB CEU
Assuring RBTs Follow Their Ethics Code: The Next Challenge for BCBAs
10:00 - JENNIFER AUSTIN, PhD, BCBA-D - 1.0 BACB CEU 1.0 - MH/PSY CEs
Common Mistakes Behavior Analysts Make When Working in Schools (and What to Do Instead)
10:55 - YULEMA CRUZ, PhD, BCBA-D - 1.0 BACB CEU 1.0 - MH/PSY CEs
Presidential Address - FABA is Opportunity
12:30 -  LUNCH AND LEARN - 1.0 BACB CEU 1.0 - MH/PSY CEs
Panel Discussion: Using ABA To Make The World Better
1:30 ELLIE KAZEMI, PhD, BCBA -D- 1.0 BACB CEU 1.0 - MH/PSY CEs
Creating and Maintaining a Culture of Care as Supervisors
2:30 - BRIAN D. GREER, PhD, BCBA-D - 1.0 BACB CEU 1.0 - MH/PSY CEs
On the Scope, Characteristics, and Mitigation of Treatment Relapse During Clinical Service Delivery
3:35 - JEANNE M. DONALDSON, PhD, BCBA-D- 1.0 BACB CEU 1.0 - MH/PSY CEs
Is the Good Behavior Game Really as Good as it Seems?
4:30 - SPECIAL EVENT - 1.0 BACB CEU
50 years of Ethics, Mentorship, and Behavior Analysis

  

Download The 2020 Program 

Refunds

If you previously registered to attend FABA 2020 IN PERSON, refunds are automatically being processed. There is no need to email us. Please register yourself for the ONLINE event using the link above. If something unexpected occurs and FABA cancels the ONLINE conference, you will automatically be issued a full refund. Refund requests for the virtual event can be processed on or before September 1, 2020. Please email us at [email protected] to request a cancellation and refund. No phone-in cancellations will be accepted.

Continuing Education

Continuing Education (CEs) will be offered by the FABA for BCBAs and BCaBAs, and Florida CBAs.  The price of BA CEs is included in the registration price.

Adapt Behavioral Services will provide CEs for Florida Licensed Psychologists, Licensed Clinical Social Workers, and Licensed Mental Health Professionals for those sessions eligible to earn credit.  Separate fees are charged for MH/PSY CEs as they are approved by a different agency.

Exhibitors & Sponsors

The Annual FABA conference is a great way to position your organization as an industry leader and spread your message to a captive audience. By exhibiting or advertising at the FABA conference you will have unique access to hundreds of Behavior Analysts, allowing you to differentiate yourself from the competition. Various opportunities are available including Exhibits, Program Advertisements, Event sponsorships, etc. Please see our website, www.fabaworld.org/exhibitors for more information on these exciting opportunities.

Conduct Assurance

As a chapter of the Association for Behavior Analysis, International, all those who submit presentations at a FABA event will be asked to agree to the following statement: “All presenters at FABA events are expected to abide by ABAI’s Ethics and Diversity policies. Discriminatory and derogatory language will not be tolerated in presentations at FABA events.”

 

 

FABA EVV Action Committee Update - January 7, 2021

 

The FABA EVV Action Committee wishes you a Happy New Year.  In addition, the Action Committee wants you to know that we continue into this New Year meeting regularly with AHCA to address implementation of the EVV system.  In fact, this week we have learned that there are a number of new actions and improvements that AHCA has implemented and will soon be appreciated by providers using the EVV system.  Included amongst these are, 

  • A solution to ensure a scheduled session is ended on time, and allowing the start of the next session.
  • A solution to eliminate overlapping recipient sessions
  • Cellular features to use the Tellus system off-line when cellular signal is weak
  • On-screen notification or reminder to providers when submitting claims that referring physician information is needed to avoid claims being denied
  • Tellus will create an identifiable customer service number that can be readily recognized by providers so that requested callbacks are not ignored or missed.
  • Tellus has a policy and will reinforce that policy with their customer service agents to leave a voice mail message when completing a callback.  In turn, it is important that providers clear out their saved voice mail messages so that callback messages can be left.

Finally, as providers, you have also made tremendous progress.  We know that this has been a real struggle, but you have come a long way.  FABA will continue to work with AHCA to address your concerns.  Because of our collective persistence, there are now only a handful of providers who have not registered to use the Tellus system, and only a very few who have not yet tried to submit and release their claims.  If you happen to be one of these providers, please be sure to register.  More importantly, if you are waiting to release claims, release them now so that you can be identified as attempting to submit billing through Tellus.  As soon as this is done your claims will be released from suspension and be processed.

Thanks again for your continued work with the Tellus system.  

Please continue to share your requests for help with Damon Rich at AHCA ([email protected]) and with us at [email protected] so we can assist you and work with AHCA. 

 


 

FABA EVV Action Committee – December 4, 2020

The FABA EVV Action Committee continues to meet regularly with AHCA. If you did not read the AHCA Alert from 11/25/20 you should know that as of Monday, December 7th, the Agency for Health Care Administration will be enforcing the use of the Tellus EVV System. This means that all Behavior Analysis Fee-for-Service providers funded through Medicaid must be registered in the Tellus system. If you are not registered in the Tellus system as of Monday you will no longer be able to bill through FMMIS. If you are NOT REGISTERED all claims submitted directly to FMMIS will suspend until the Agency confirms that you have registered and begun using the Tellus EVV System at least for scheduling and visit verification.

So, PLEASE REGISTER as soon as possible, if you have not done so already. If you are having PROBLEMS REGISTERING please contact Damon Rich at AHCA. His email is [email protected]. Please use the Subject line, FABA Referral and avoid bombarding a variety of AHCA staff, so that your concerns are directly seen by Damon Rich.

Also, if you are not providing PHI, please copy the FABA PAC, [email protected], so we can assist you and work with AHCA to assure you get registered.

Click below to view a job aid, “AHCA BA Registration Process” that should help walk you through the registration process.

AHCA - Registering Your Agency with Tellus EVV

 


 

November 25, 2020  – Legislative Update – EVV Action Committee

The FABA EVV Action Committee met with AHCA this morning and we believe that some additional flexibility with the December 1st “go live” implementation of the EVV system has been achieved.  These flexibilities will help to ease providers into full implementation over the month of December.  This will mean that providers in the pilot areas (Area 9, 10 and 11) in South Florida will need to demonstrate a good faith effort to attempt implementation of all aspects of the EVV system.

The demonstration of participation will be monitored for all providers in these areas and FABA will be meeting weekly with AHCA to review this progress and update membership.  In the first phase this will mean that ALL providers must register and create an account in the system.  Currently, it appears that only 40% of providers in the Region are registered, while the data is showing that 98% of registered providers have a least 1 recipient listed.  In addition, providers need to attempt scheduling in the system, as only 72% of those currently registered are actually using the system to do this.  Lastly, attempts should be made to bill.  Currently, only 39% of those registered in the system have attempted billing.

To move this system forward, FABA strongly encourages providers to register into the system immediately.  If problems are encountered with registering, AHCA wants to know that so they can address the problem.  The same is true for scheduling and conducting sessions.  Similarly, as providers begin the transition of billing from FLEMMIS to Tellus, AHCA will need to know of any problems with this process.  Part of the agreement is to allow use of FLMMIS, if needed, until December 21st.

Any problems that you encounter should be sent to AHCA through encrypted mail or with a password protected Word document, followed by the emailed password.  AHCA has advised that you are more than welcome to continue copying Tellus, but AHCA will take lead on any direct referrals sent to them.  This means they will either resolve the issue directly without Tellus involvement, or specifically direct Tellus actions for prompt intervention and resolution.  

  • You can email the following individuals:
  • Subject Line: FABA Referral – <Insert Provider Specific Title>
  • Specific Example when available
      • Include at a minimum, when applicable:
        • Date of issue
        • Provider ID
        • Recipient ID
        • Address/Service Location
        • Tellus Ticket number if one has been opened
  • If you are not providing PHI, please copy the FABA PAC, [email protected], so we can continue to aggregate the data and conduct follow-up with AHCA during our weekly reviews.

 


 

OCTOBER 5, 2020 - Legislative Update – Updates to Health Care Clinic Licensure for Florida Medicaid Providers 

During the 2020 Florida legislative session, an exemption to health care clinic licensure for Florida Medicaid providers was added to Section 400.9905, Florida Statutes. As a result of this legislative change, Florida Medicaid providers are not required to seek health care clinic licensure.  

Effective July 1, 2020, Florida Medicaid does not require any provider to show proof of licensure as a health care clinic nor proof of exemption from licensure as a health care clinic. Current, reenrolling, or new Florida Medicaid providers do not need to show proof of licensure as a health care clinic nor proof of exemption from licensure as a health care clinic.

Florida Medicaid is working to update the Enrollment Policy (Appendix E) to remove these requirements to align with Section 400.9905, Florida Statutes for all of the below providers: 

Provider Type Code

Provider Type Description

30

Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (Groups only)

60

Audiologist (Groups only)

39

Behavior Analysis (Groups only)

28

Chiropractor (Groups only)

05

Community Behavioral Health Services

35

Dentist (Groups only)

61

Hearing Aid Specialist (Groups only)

50

Independent Laboratory

34

Licensed Midwife (Groups only)

63

Optician (Groups only)

62

Optometrist (Groups only)

25

Physician (Doctor of Medicine - M.D.) (Groups only)

26

Physician (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine D.O.) (Groups only)

29

Physician Assistant (Groups only)

27

Podiatrist (Groups only)

51

Portable X-ray Company

31

Registered Nurse/Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA) (Groups only)

66

Rural Health Clinic (RHC)

07

Specialized Therapeutic Services (Groups only)

83

Therapist Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, and Respiratory Therapy (Groups only)

 

Florida Medicaid providers may voluntarily apply for a certificate of exemption from licensure as a health care clinic. Most health care providers who apply for an exemption certificate do so because Medicare or private insurance companies require documentation of licensure or exemption from licensure prior to authorizing reimbursement for services. If you choose to apply, application forms and information are online at http://ahca.myflorida.com/MCHQ/Health_Facility_Regulation/Hospital_Outpatient/HealthCareClinic/hcc_exemption.shtmlPlease note: The health care clinic rules and application forms have not yet been updated to reflect the recent statutory changes. If an entity is attempting to qualify under a newly added exemption, they can submit an application along with appropriate fees, a cover letter stating the exemption sought and appropriate supporting documentation.

For additional assistance please contact the Florida Medicaid Helpline at 1-877-254-1055.


SEPTEMBER 15, 2020 – Legislative Update – HB 731, Agency for Health Care Administration


Governor DeSantis did sign HB 731 – Agency for Health Care Administration on June 30, 2020, that contains an exemption from the health care clinic licensure for Medicaid providers. Now that the exemption is law, it is our understanding, after speaking with the Medicaid Policy Office at AHCA that the exemption will be automatic for behavior analysts enrolled as Medicaid providers and no further action will be needed to be taken by Medicaid providers. We also expect the Agency to announce that the December 1, 2020, health care clinic licensure requirement deadline for behavior analysis groups will be repealed from the Medicaid Enrollment Handbook and that administrative rulemaking will be necessary to effectuate the change. We are anticipating a Provider Alert soon from AHCA on this matter. Please stay tuned and attend the September  17, 2020, panel discussion with AHCA, APD, and CASP at 4pm during the 2020 FABA Conference for further information.

 


March 6, 2020 - SB 1206

Members,
We are continuing our advocacy to move SB 1206 to the Senate Floor but wanted you to know that HB 731, the AHCA bill that contains a health clinic licensure exemption for all Medicaid providers, moved forward again today and will be ready for a vote on the House Floor early next week.

Take Action Now!

Let Senate President Bill Galvano know that SB 1206 – Applied Behavior Analysis is critical to making sure children with special needs receive medically necessary services. One more time! We are asking each of you to contact Senate President Bill Galvano to make sure that Senate Bill 1206 – Applied Behavior Analysis is either withdrawn from the Senate Appropriations Committee or heard by the Senate Appropriations Committee. As of today, SB 1206 is still stuck in Senate Appropriations and cannot advance. If the bill is withdrawn or heard in Senate Appropriations the bill can move to the Senate Calendar and be matched up with its companion bill, HB 575, that has already passed the House and is awaiting action by the Senate. Please feel free to customize the draft e-mail so that it applies to your unique personal situation.

Go the Action Center now to send your e-mail: 

https://www.votervoice.net/FABA/campaigns/72144/respond




May 4, 2019 - AHCA Announces New Proposed Changes to Florida Medicaid Behavior Analysis

The Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) hosted a packed meeting in Tallahassee on March 29, 2019, to announce updates regarding the delivery of Florida Medicaid Behavior Analysis services. The meeting featured a presentation by representatives from the Agency where they announced a number of updates, which are summarized below. 

A number of these updates may be positive developments that will hopefully increase access to service and efficiency in the near future. However, the proposed rate reductions are concerning and have the potential to dramatically limit quality providers’ ability to render service. The most effective way to put a stop to these proposed changes is by reaching out to your lawmakers and asking them to STOP THE CUTS. You can seamlessly email and call them NOW using the FABA Action Center.

Here is a summary of the updates that were announced:

Changes to Reimbursement Rates
AHCA believes the current rates are significantly higher than is necessary to ensure access to the service statewide, especially when examining the actual wages earned by professionals providing the service. AHCA is working to realign provider reimbursement rates with a revised methodology. 

The proposed changes in the rates include:

  • The rates for a Behavior Analysis Assessment will decrease from $385.19 to $301.31
  • The rates for a Behavior Analysis Reassessment will decrease from $192.59 to $150.65
  • The rates for a Behavior Analysis Lead, per quarter hour, will remain the same at $19.05
  • The rates for a Behavior Analysis Assistant, per quarter hour, will decrease from $15.24 to $10.52
  • The rates for a Behavior Analysis Registered Behavior Technician, per quarter hour, are decreasing from $12.19 to $5.98

Provider Enrollment Moratorium
AHCA is seeking to partially lift the moratorium in Miami-Dade and Broward counties. This will include registered behavior technicians, lead analysts, and board certified assistant behavior analysts seeking enrollment to participate as a member of a provider group that is already enrolled in Florida Medicaid. However, the moratorium will remain in effect for new group providers and lead analysts wishing to practice independently. The goal is for this to take place at the end of April. AHCA will host provider enrollment trainings in late April and early May.

Health Care Clinic License
Provider groups will be required to prove that they have a health care clinic license by December 31, 2019 or provide a copy of the certificate of exemption. This requirement is not new, but stronger verification procedures will be implemented. 

Multidisciplinary Team Approach
In an attempt to streamline the delivery of medically necessary services, AHCA will be implementing a Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) approach. The MDT approach includes telephone or home visit contacts with parents, medical documentation review by clinicians from two separate disciplines, and a team meeting that can include the provider.

Coverage Policy Revisions
The behavior analysis coverage policy will be combined into one policy with other Medicaid-covered behavior modification and intervention services. However, the Agency did not address one of FABA’s top priorities regarding a requirement that treatment programs be administered by a lead analyst who is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst.

Electronic Visit Verification
The Agency is working on implementing an Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) requirement. The EVV policy will require providers to check in and check out using an app on a mobile phone. This will link the provider check in with a claim submission and ensures submitted claims information is valid and aligns with prior authorization information.

This is the first of a series of meetings that will be held across the state. Over the next month and a half, additional meetings will be held at the following locations:

  • Tampa
    Friday, April 5 at 10:30am
  • Orlando
    Thursday, April 18 at 10:30am
  • Jacksonville
    Friday, April 19 at 10:30am
  • Miami
    Thursday, April 25 at 10:30am
  • Ft. Lauderdale
    Friday, April 26 at 10:30am
  • Pensacola
    Friday, May 10 at 10:30am

It’s important to note that none of these changes are finalized right now, so it is critical that FABA members do everything possible to attend these meetings and provide feedback and public testimony. We also need as many providers and parents as possible to email their lawmakers and the governor using the FABA Action Center. 

 


 

May 19, 2017 – Attention FL Medicaid ABA Providers!

Please find below some helpful resources, courtesy of AHCA.

The Medicaid Public Web Portal provides access to the Provider Services page where providers can obtain helpful information including:

  • Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) including companion guides for the creation of claims, EDI software and manuals, EDI forms and agreements, and Submission Information such as an interactive Web site for testing claims transactions and sample files.
  • Provider Enrollment guidance and forms.
  • Provider support including alerts of policy or protocol changes, links to Medicaid handbooks and fee schedules, and contact information.
  • Provider Training

https://portal.flmmis.com/FLPublic/Provider_PublicHome/tabId/36/Default.aspx

Web-based Trainings

  • The Provider Electronic Solutions (PES) Web-based Training (WBT) is an interactive walk-through that introduces providers to the available menu items in PES and provides step-by-step instructions for completing and submitting claims via PES.
  • The Web Portal WBT is designed to demonstrate various functionality of the Medicaid Web Portal through an interactive walk-through that introduces providers to the available menu items that provide important provider information such as provider demographics and recipient eligibility.

http://portal.flmmis.com/FLPublic/Provider_ProviderServices/Provider_Training/Provider_Training_WBT/tabId/86/Default.aspx

The Medicaid Provider Contact page provides links to contact information for the following:

  • The Medicaid Fiscal Agent, DXC Technology, for claims and provider enrollment inquiries and assistance with access to the Medicaid Secure Web Portal.
  • Recipient and Provider Assistance to contact a Medicaid representative.
  • Fiscal Agent Field Representative Map
  • Online tool for submission of and inquiry and to request a contact from the Fiscal Agent.

https://portal.flmmis.com/FLPublic/Provider_ProviderServices/Provider_ProviderSupport/Provider_ContactUs/tabId/40/Default.aspx


 

May 15, 2017 – Attention providers of Medicaid ABA services:

The FAQs for Behavior Analysis services have been posted to the AHCA website. They are located at the bottom of the page after the Enrollment Begins Now section. For your convenience, the link is Included below.

https://portal.flmmis.com/FLPublic/Provider_ProviderServices/Provider_ProviderSupport/Provider_ContactUs/tabId/40/Default.aspx


 

April 18, 2017 – Florida Behavior Analysis Month

The Florida Senate approved Resolution No. 1814 Commending FABA on its 37th Anniversary, and recognizing the month of October 2017 as “Florida Behavior Analysis Month”!!! The resolution was introduced by Senator Bean.


 

April 24, 2017 – ATTENTION MEDICAID PROVIDERS OF ABA SERVICES!

AHCA has reported a drop in authorization requests since the deadline was pushed back to May 15. It is important that providers keep sending their authorization requests during this transition period to avoid the last minute rush just prior to May 15. If too many requests come in at the last minute, it could delay authorizations for everyone.


 

March 23, 2017 – Important Updates/Clarifications

Many of us have heard in the Beacon trainings (regarding the Medicaid Behavior Analysis Services Policy) that clients must have maladaptive behavior to be approved for Behavior Analysis services. In a recent meeting between the FABA Legislative Committee and AHCA, we were told that Behavior Assessments that are missing maladaptive behaviors will not be denied for that reason alone. Instead, they will be escalated to a higher level review to determine medical necessity. Medically necessary services, which include habilitative services according to EPSDT, are covered.

To help providers understand what is important to include in their authorization requests, Beacon has reported some trends in the Behavior Plans received from Lead Analysts. These include:

  • Lack of parent/caregiver goals
  • Service intensity not justified in the plan
  • Group code requested but no group goal addressed
  • Plan not individualized to the recipient

However, to date, Beacon has not denied any authorizations. Please make sure to pay close attention to the above trends to help facilitate the authorization process.

Many of our members have contacted FABA to ask for help because their Type 39 Provider application has still not been approved. AHCA has been informed about this urgent issue and is looking into options to remedy the situation. In the meantime, they have suggested that those who need help with applications should contact the following:

[email protected]
For more information:
Medicaid Provider Type 39 enrollment number:
1-800-289-7799
(option 4) for Provider Enrollment


 

March 15, 2017 – Behavior Assessments that are missing maladaptive behaviors

Many of us have heard in the Beacon trainings (regarding the Medicaid Behavior Analysis Services Policy) that clients must have maladaptive behavior to be approved for Behavior Analysis services. In a recent meeting between the FABA Legislative Committee and AHCA, we were told that Behavior Assessments that are missing maladaptive behaviors will not be denied for that reason alone. Instead, they will be escalated to a higher level review to determine medical necessity. Medically necessary services, which includes habilitative services according to EPSDT, are covered.

To help providers understand what is important to include in their authorization requests, Beacon has reported that the most common reasons that authorization requests have been denied include:

  • Lack of parent/caregiver goals
  • Service intensity is not justified

Many of our members have contacted FABA to ask for help because their Type 39 Provider application has still not been approved. AHCA has been informed about this urgent issue and is looking into options to remedy the situation. In the meantime, they have suggested that those who need help with applications should contact the following: [email protected]

Please make sure to check the http://www.fabaworld.org website for important announcements and updates.


 

February 3, 2017 – AHCA Agrees to Delay Implementation of Behavior Analysis Policy Until March 1, 2017

The implementation of the new Medicaid Behavior Analysis Policy for children age 0-20 was planned to start on February 1, 2017.  As of that date, many ABA agencies and individual providers had not yet received their new Type 39 provider number.  This would have meant that many providers would not be able to get reimbursed for their services until their application was approved.  Since many providers would not be able to continue providing services without pay, resulting in loss of services for many recipients, the FABA Legislative Committee brought these concerns to AHCA.  After some deliberation, AHCA agreed to delay the requirement to begin using the new billing codes (which can only be provided by Type 39 providers) until March 1, 2017.

The requirement to have an authorization from Beacon prior to April 3, 2017 is still in place, so all providers planning to provide services for recipients age 0-20 on or after April 3 will need to request an authorization.


 

FABA Successfully Challenges AHCA Policy on Behavior Analysis Services & Encourages Its Members to Immediately Enroll In The BA Services Program

As we previously reported, on November 14, 2016, the Florida Association for Behavior Analysis filed a petition with the Division of Administrative Hearings in Tallahassee, challenging the Agency for Health Care Administration’s (AHCA) adoption of Proposed Rule 59G-4.125, F.A.C., regarding its Behavior Analysis Services Policy.

FABA’s challenge to the published policy focused on preserving positive changes to the policy achieved during the workshop and hearing process, as well as making sure that the policy is limited to behavior analysis services, not services that have no connection to behavior analysis. For example, it was important the policy was clarified that psychological testing, neuropsychology, psychotherapy, cognitive therapy, sex therapy, psychoanalysis, hypnotherapy, and long-term counseling are not to be reimbursed under the behavior analysis policy. Further, it was essential that the policy require that lead analysts who are not BCBA’s but who are licensed under Chapter 490 or 491, have training and expertise in the field of behavior analysis.

A link to the second notice of change for the policy is found here:
http://www.ahca.myflorida.com/medicaid/review/Rules_in_Process/NOC/59G-4.125_BA_Coverage_Policy_afterNOC2_trk_chgs.pdf and incorporates revisions made in each of the workshops and the final proposed rule hearing. FABA and AHCA filed a joint motion to dismiss the petition based upon AHCA’s changes to the behavior analysis policy, which has been accepted by the administrative law judge.

With the major policy considerations resolved as a result of the litigation, FABA encourages its members to ENROLL IMMEDIATELY in the behavior analysis provider program at the Florida Medicaid Web Portal. As most of you know, ABA services for Medicaid recipients under the age of 21 will soon be required to be provided under the new Medicaid Behavior Analysis policy, and ABA services provided through all other Medicaid funding streams (e.g., Early Intervention, Community Behavioral Health, iBudget Waiver, “state plan” Autism services) will be discontinued.

Although the policy is expected to be officially promulgated in mid-February, the implementation of the new policy starts February 1, 2017, which is only a week away.  According to AHCA and Beacon, all services provided on or after that date will have to be billed under the new policy’s service codes and limits, and only agencies and individuals with Type 39 provider numbers will be able to provide those services.  If you are currently providing ABA services under another Medicaid policy and have not received your Type 39 provider number yet, you will not be able to be paid for services after 2/1/17.  All ABA provider types (BCBA “Lead Analyst,” BCaBA “Assistant Behavior Analyst,” and RBT) are required to obtain an individual provider number, even if providing services under a Type 39 group.

Between 2/1/17 and 4/2/17, providers need to be submitting authorization requests for ABA services to Beacon because all services provided on or after April 3, 2017 will be required to have an authorization from Beacon in order to be paid.  Only approved Type 39 providers will have access to the Beacon system to submit authorization requests.  Beacon has pre-recorded trainings to explain the authorization process and the elements required in the Behavioral Assessment and Reassessment.

Link to AHCA Behavior Analysis Services Provider
Information: http://ahca.myflorida.com/medicaid/Policy_and_Quality/Policy/behavioral_health_coverage/bhfu/BA_Services.shtml

Link to the Beacon pre-recorded trainings:
http://fl.beaconhealthoptions.com/provider/prv-archive.html

Link to the most recent version of the proposed Behavior Analysis policy:
http://ahca.myflorida.com/medicaid/review/Rules_in_Process/NOC/59G-4.125_BA_Coverage_Policy_afterNOC2_trk_chgs.pdf

Link to the proposed Behavior Analysis billing codes and fee schedule:
http://ahca.myflorida.com/medicaid/review/Rules_in_Process/Develop/2016-08-01_BA_Fee_Schedule.pdf

Link to the AHCA Provider Enrollment Application:
https://portal.flmmis.com/flpublic/Provider_ProviderServices/Provider_Enrollment/Provider_Enrollment_EnrollmentApplication/tabid/67/Default.aspx?desktopdefault=%20

Link to the AHCA Provider Enrollment Application Guide:
http://portal.flmmis.com/FLPublic/Portals/0/StaticContent/Public/Public%20Misc%20Files/Guide_for_App_for_2015_Final_2015-02-27.pdf


 

May 30, 2016 – Medicaid Policy on Behavior Analysis Coverage


April 14, 2016, – New Insurance Coverage Law for Down Syndrome Treatment Includes Behavior Analysis Services

On April 14, 2016, Governor Rick Scott signed House Bill 221, which requires health maintenance organization contract and certain insurance policies to cover behavior analysis services for the treatment of Down Syndrome. Previously, Florida statutes provided that behavior analysis services were only mandated for the treatment of autism, however this change significantly expands the law. Thank you to Senate President Andy Gardiner who help shepherd this long-overdue amendment to the insurance law. This change is effective July 1, 2016, and FABA will be working with the Office of Insurance Regulation to make sure families can access this new insurance benefit.


 

April 7, 2016 – AHCA Holds Workshop On Medicaid Policy For Behavior Analysis Service & Contracts With Beacon Health Options For Utilization Management

On April 7, 2016, the Agency for Health Care Administration held its third workshop on the new policy for behavior analysis services. FABA participated in the workshop and commented on the need to include an accurate definition of behavior analysis as well other issues that should be addressed before the policy is finalized. AHCA is expected to publish a revised policy and a notice of hearing on the policy in the near future. AHCA also selected Beacon Health Options as its vendor to handle utilization management for behavior analysis services for the treatment of autism under the Medicaid program. FABA met with members of Beacon’s leadership team to discuss their role in authorizing and reviewing behavior analysis services for the Florida Medicaid program. Beacon has considerable experience working with BCBAs in other states and FABA looks forward to Beacon presenting at the Annual Meeting in September.

 
 Digital Archive File Number Title of Document Desciption Associated Dates
1993Hx001 13th Annual Call for Presentation Announcement FABA 93 Announcement 9/22/93
1993Hx002 Offical FABA Nominations Ballot    
1993Hx003 Proceedings Note Pad for the 13th Annual Convention Blank  
1993Hx004 1993 Behavior Counts Catalog Cover    
1993Hx005 FABA 93 Program (67 Pages) Convention held in Ft Lauderdale 9/22/93
1993Hx006 FABA Newsletter Volume 13 Number 1   Spring 93
1993Hx007 FABA Newsletter   Summer 93
1993Hx008 FABA Newsletter Special Pre-Conference Issue   Summer 93
1993Hx009 FABA Newsletter Volume 14 Number 1    
FABA Party Singers.jpg Cute picture of a group of singers during the Conference    
 
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