Assembly Member Alanis proposes new certification requirements for behavioral technicians who work with minors in autism services through legislation that directs the State Department of Developmental Services (DDS) to establish a mandatory certification process. The certification framework would apply to qualified autism service providers, professionals, and paraprofessionals who work with patients under 18 years of age.

The legislation creates a certification system centered on criminal background checks conducted through the Department of Justice. Individuals convicted of crimes involving minors would be barred from certification. The bill prohibits developmental centers, facilities, and programs from employing uncertified behavioral technicians to work with minors. Professionals who already hold licenses requiring equivalent or stricter background checks would be exempt from new fingerprinting requirements.

The measure defines three categories of behavioral technicians: qualified autism service providers (certified by national entities or licensed professionals), qualified autism service professionals (who work under provider supervision), and qualified autism service paraprofessionals (unlicensed individuals meeting specific education and supervision requirements). Each category must meet detailed standards for supervision, treatment planning, education, and employment relationships. While DDS would verify certification status upon request from facilities, the department cannot disclose specific criminal history information.