All PlansCoverageMedium impact
23-1483m Update to Existing Law Adds Associates as Qualified Autism Service Professionals
Health Net·CA · Psychiatry, Pediatrics, Family Medicine·Provider News
Effective date
Jan 1, 2024
We identified it
Jun 20, 2026
Summary
Effective January 1, 2024, Senate Bill 8051 expands the definition of qualified autism services professionals to include psychological associates, associate marriage and family therapists, associate clinical social workers, and associate professional clinical counselors. These associates can now provide and administer behavioral health treatment plans for autism spectrum disorders if they meet Board of Behavioral Sciences or Board of Psychology requirements.
Action Required
By January 1, 2024: Billing team must update provider credentialing records and billing system to recognize the four new categories of qualified autism services professionals (psychological associates, associate marriage and family therapists, associate clinical social workers, and associate professional clinical counselors) as eligible providers for autism behavioral health services. Verify these associates meet Board of Behavioral Sciences or Board of Psychology requirements before processing claims.