Disclosing Discipline on an ABA License Application

Every behavior analyst application asks about history: criminal charges, discipline by another board, action by the BACB, sometimes health conditions that affect practice. The questions differ by state, but the rule for answering them does not. Answer truthfully and completely, attach the documents the board asks for, and make sure every source the board will check tells the same story.

That last part matters more for behavior analysts than for many professions, because three parties may hold a record of the same event: a state board, the BACB, and the courts. Boards check all three.

What do boards ask about?

From statutes, rules and board pages we have read:

• Nevada issues a license only to an applicant who has not been convicted of a listed crime, has no disciplinary action or pending complaints before another licensing authority or the BACB, and has not been denied Nevada licensure before except for administrative reasons (NAC 641D.100(1)). Endorsement applicants prove they have not been disciplined or investigated by any state where they hold or held a license, or by the BACB (NRS 641D.340).
• Virginia requires, for initial licensure, verification that no discipline has been taken or is pending in any jurisdiction where you are licensed or certified, and verification from the BACB of any action taken or pending there (18VAC85-150-50). The statute bars licensure for someone whose license or certification was suspended or revoked or who is the subject of disciplinary proceedings by the certifying board or another jurisdiction (Va. Code § 54.1-2957.16(B)(3)).
• Washington requires that the applicant has not engaged in unprofessional conduct and "is not currently subject to any disciplinary proceedings" (RCW 18.380.050(1)(e) and (f)).
• Texas says certification must be current and in good standing, and that someone "subject to or [who has] received a disciplinary action by the certification board ... may be ineligible to hold a Texas license" (TDLR).
• Illinois may refuse a license for "adverse action taken by another state or jurisdiction" on grounds substantially equivalent to its own, and for "fraud or misrepresentation in applying for or procuring a license" (225 ILCS 6/60(a)(4) and (11)).

Why is a wrong answer worse than a yes?

Because misrepresentation is its own violation. Illinois lists material misstatements in furnishing information to the department as a ground for discipline (225 ILCS 6/60(a)(1)). In Nevada, giving "false or forged evidence of any kind to the Board in connection with an application" is a gross misdemeanor (NRS 641D.910). Louisiana's rules make the applicant attest that the information is "true, correct and complete" and reserve the right to deny an application containing misrepresentations or falsifications (board rule 301). A Louisiana board opinion says a line technician applicant who answers yes on the history question will not be registered until the board reviews the matter, and that the board "reserves the right to deny or revoke any applicant who misrepresents information on the application."

The pattern is consistent: a disclosed event gets reviewed; an undisclosed event that the fingerprint report or a verification reveals gets reviewed and adds a credibility problem.

How does BACB self-reporting fit in?

The BACB has its own disclosure rules, and they overlap with state questions. Its handbooks require certificants to self-report certain events within 30 days, including investigations naming you or a company you own, criminal charges and certain convictions, and agreements or actions with a licensure board. One item surprises people: the BACB lists "denial of a professional licensure application for conduct or competence reasons," including unmet documentation requirements or unpaid fees, among the actions to self-report (BCBA Handbook, updated June 2026).

The BACB's recertification application also asks about health conditions, investigations and disciplinary actions, and a yes requires an Ethics Self-Reporting Statement that puts the application on hold for review. If a state asks whether your certification is in good standing while a BACB matter is open, your answers to the state and to the BACB need to match. More on that in BACB discipline and your state licenses.

How should you present a history?

1. Read each question literally. Many ask about charges as well as convictions, or about matters that were sealed or expunged. Answer what is asked.
2. Gather the records first. Certified court dispositions, board orders, consent agreements and proof of completion of any terms.
3. Write a short factual statement. What happened, when, the outcome, and what has changed. No argument, no minimizing.
4. Make every source agree. State applications, BACB self-reports and prior board files should describe the event the same way.
5. Use pre-application review where it exists. TDLR lets you have criminal history evaluated before you apply and pay nonrefundable fees.
6. Get legal advice for serious matters. We prepare and organize files; we do not give legal advice. A licensing attorney is the right call for open investigations or felony history.

Do supervisors and agencies need to care?

Yes. Louisiana's board tells licensees they are responsible for anyone under their supervision, and Nevada lets its board discipline a licensee who employs, in an ABA business, someone convicted of crimes on its list (NAC 641D.600(1)(b)). An agency onboarding technicians in Nevada or Louisiana should know what the background check will show before the application goes in.

Can we help with a file that has history?

We build the document set, check that your state answers and BACB record line up, and prepare the application and explanation for your review. You decide what to say, and you review, sign and submit the application yourself; the attestation is yours. A Full State License Application is $749 per state and License by Endorsement is $599 per state. A $149 Readiness Review is a good first step when you are unsure how a history plays in several states. See also fingerprints and background checks.