We are reaching out to provide an update on the establishment of the new regulatory framework for Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) in Ontario and to invite you to participate in a survey which will assist us in better understanding your practice in this area.
The new regulatory framework
The College of Psychologists of Ontario (CPO) has been working with the Government of Ontario toward proclamation of the Psychology and Applied Behaviour Analysis Act, 2021 since 2019.
The legislation:
- defines the distinct scope of practice of the profession of ABA;
- restricts the use of the title “Behaviour Analyst”; and
- prohibits non-members of CPO from “holding out” as qualified to practise as Behaviour Analysts.
Amendments to three regulations under the new legislation (Registration, Professional Misconduct and General) approved by the CPO Council were formally submitted to the Ministry of Health on January 18, 2023.
What this means for multiple affected Colleges’ registrants/members
Social workers and social service workers, occupational therapists, speech language pathologists, educators, psychotherapists and nurses may all use behavioural techniques in their practice. These techniques remain within the public domain.
Any professional who wishes to identify as a “Behaviour Analyst”, however, must register with the College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts of Ontario, regardless of any other concurrent registrations they may hold with another regulatory body.
Further information can be found on the CPO’s ABA Portal, which includes answers to FAQs and a Self-Screening Tool designed to assist practitioners in the field of behaviour analysis, therapy, or intervention to determine if they will need to apply for registration with CPO.
Seeking your input
The College, and other regulatory colleges whose registrants/members may be impacted by this change, are working together to better understand the impact of this legislation on our respective registrants/members.
As part of these efforts, we are gathering information on your practice and asking you to complete a brief survey via the link below. The information you provide in this survey will enable your regulator to engage with the Ministry of Health in an informed way.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BJW6MZ6
Thank you for your time and input! Please note, the survey will close March 14, 2023. We will continue to provide updates and will share survey results at a later date.