Why Public Policy Matters: A Call to Action for the Everyday Behavior Analyst

Abstract

Public policy advocacy is a foreign topic to many behavior analysts. However, each professional within the field has a voice and skills helpful in ensuring that the field’s growth aligns with best practices. This article outlines pertinent areas of public policy advocacy and calls to action for the everyday behavior analyst. Topics covered include storytelling and dissemination, the field’s standards of care, the concept of medical necessity, understanding provider agreements, types of behavior analysts, licensure and legislation, pigeonholing, and documentation. Each section briefly introduces the topic and the pertinent concerns and offers a call to action for providers within the field. The topics covered are not comprehensive of all public policy needs associated with behavior analysis. Instead, they are pragmatic and achievable first steps pertinent to the health of the field. This article will leave readers with tangible action steps to get involved in public policy and advocacy efforts in their daily work, organizations, and communities.