Consumer Watchdog v. Department of Managed Health Care

Opinion

KITCHING, J.

Applied behavior analysis (ABA) is an intensive form of therapy which has had documented success in treating the symptoms of autism in young children. While ABA can be performed by a licensed physician or psychologist, it is often performed, or supervised, by an individual certified by the private Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). The issue raised by this case is whether the Department of Managed Health Care (DMHC) is required, by law, to direct health plans within its jurisdiction to provide coverage for ABA when provided, or supervised, by BACBcertified…