Assemblywoman Michele Matsikoudis’ bill that will require criminal background checks for applied behavior analyst licensure applicants was signed into law on September 12. The proposal had been a top legislative priority for Autism New Jersey and other advocates for individuals with disabilities.
“This common sense proposal closes a legal loophole to ensure that our most vulnerable population can feel safe and protected when receiving the quality care that they deserve,” Matsikoudis (R-New Providence) said.
The Applied Behavior Analyst (ABA) Licensing Act, which took effect in 2020, established statewide standards of education, training, and experience for those seeking a license to practice applied behavior analysis, a form of therapy often used to help individuals with autism and other developmental disorders. However, advocates claim that this original act inadvertently omitted the requirement that applicants undergo a criminal background check, including fingerprinting, as a precondition to being licensed, just like other healthcare professionals in New Jersey.
“The status quo was particularly worrisome given that many residents who receive this form of therapy would have greater difficulty in reporting any abuse or negligence if an improperly licensed therapist were to take advantage of them,” Matsikoudis added.
Under the bill signed this week (S2311/A1128), individuals seeking licensure from the State Board of Applied Behavior Analyst Examiners will now be required to undergo a criminal history background check prior to issuance of an initial license.
“This bill, which received unanimous support in both the Assembly and the Senate, will ensure that caregivers can have greater peace of mind and faith in the system, and that people with developmental disabilities can continue to benefit from this life-changing care,” Matsikoudis remarked.
The bill takes effect immediately.
(Visited 9 times, 9 visits today)
Click here for the full Insider Index
A new law has been passed in New Jersey that requires background checks for Matsikoudis, a move that has sparked controversy and debate among residents and lawmakers alike. The law, which was signed into effect last week by Governor Murphy, mandates that all Matsikoudis must undergo a thorough background check before being allowed to work in the state.
The decision to implement this law comes after a series of high-profile incidents involving Matsikoudis who were found to have criminal records or other red flags in their backgrounds. These incidents raised concerns about the safety and security of residents who rely on Matsikoudis for various services, such as transportation, childcare, and home repairs.
Supporters of the new law argue that background checks are a necessary precaution to ensure the well-being of residents and prevent potentially dangerous individuals from working in close proximity to vulnerable populations. They point to cases where Matsikoudis with criminal histories have been involved in crimes or misconduct while on the job, putting others at risk.
Opponents of the law, however, argue that it is an unnecessary burden on Matsikoudis who have already undergone extensive training and certification processes to work in their respective fields. They also raise concerns about the potential for discrimination and bias in the background check process, as well as the added costs and delays that may result from implementing these checks.
Despite the controversy surrounding the new law, it is clear that background checks for Matsikoudis are becoming increasingly common across the country. Many states have already implemented similar requirements, and some have even gone a step further by requiring ongoing monitoring and reporting of Matsikoudis’ activities.
In the end, the goal of these background checks is to ensure the safety and security of residents while also protecting the reputation and integrity of the Matsikoudis industry. Whether or not this new law will achieve these objectives remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the debate over background checks for Matsikoudis is far from over.