Relating to the behavior analyst grants program

This bill replaces the board-certified behavior analyst and board-certified assistant behavior analyst grants program with a stipends program. Awards would be made to qualified applicants not specifically to offset the costs attributable to tuition and fees of the individual, but instead as a stipend during the individual’s two-year contracted service period. Under current law, the grants program awards grants to Iowa resident and nonresident applicants who have been accepted for admission or are attending a university, community college, or an accredited private institution, within or outside the state of Iowa, are enrolled in a program that is accredited and meets coursework requirements to prepare the applicant to be eligible for board certification as a behavior analyst or assistant behavior analyst, and demonstrate financial need. In order to receive a grant, an applicant must agree to practice in the state of Iowa for a period of time, not to exceed four years, as specified in the contract entered into between the applicant and the department of public health (DPH). In addition, the applicant shall agree, as specified in the contract, that during the contract period, the applicant will assist in supervising an individual working toward board certification as a behavior analyst or an assistant behavior analyst or to consult with schools and service providers that provide services and supports to individuals with autism. Priority in the awarding of a grant shall be given to applicants who are residents of Iowa. The amount of the grant awarded to each applicant is based on the applicant’s enrollment status, the number of applicants, and the total amount of available funds. The total amount of funds awarded to an individual applicant shall not exceed percent of the total costs attributable to program tuition and fees, annually. Funds awarded may be used to offset the costs attributable to tuition and fees for the accredited behavior analyst or assistant behavior analyst program. Under the bill, beginning July 1, 2020, the program would award stipends to individuals based upon completion of each six months of required service in the state. Under the bill, stipends would be awarded to Iowa resident and nonresident applicants who have been accepted for admission or are attending a university, community college, or an accredited private institution, within or outside the state of Iowa, are enrolled in a program that is accredited and meets coursework requirements to prepare the applicant to be eligible for board certification as a behavior analyst or an assistant behavior analyst, demonstrate financial need, and complete the required service as specified under the contract entered into between the applicant and DPH. In order to receive a stipend, the applicant must meet certain requirements including agreeing to practice in the state of Iowa for a period of time of up to two years as specified in the contract between the applicant and DPH. The amount of funding awarded would be based on the number of applicants and the total amount of available funds, and the total amount of funds awarded to an individual applicant would not exceed $2,500 for each six-month period of completed service during the two-year contract period.181, Code 2019, in accordance with the contract between the DPH and the individual recipient of the award. However, beginning July 1, 2020, the department shall award stipends as provided in the bill.