MiBAP Q3 2021 Newsletter
This quarterly newsletter provides a recap of the third quarter of 2021, as well as, updates on current activities for the association and committee updates.
MiBAP is here to support all of our members in these difficult times – please do not hesitate to reach out (info@mibap.org) with your questions, comments, feedback, or concerns.
Below are quick updates from each of our committees, along with a few articles and papers you may find of interest. Stay safe!
Access Committee
For the last quarter, the Access Committee has been continuing our efforts in reaching out by disseminating information to families and practitioners on Autism and ABA therapy. We are in the final stages of development for flyers regarding what is Autism and what is ABA therapy. Once the flyer content is finalized, we will translate this information into a video that will be easily accessible to families. We are continuing to reach out to pediatricians across the state to gain a better understanding of the diagnostic process and the benefits of ABA therapy. We are always interested in collaborating with our members or the community at large. If interested in participating in this committee, please reach out to Rachel Enright at rachel@gatewaypediatrictherapy.com.
Advocacy Committee
MiBAP’s Advocacy Committee was busy in Quarter 3 of 2021. Efforts culminated with a panel presentation for the opening of the MAC, October 6, 2021.
In addition to a brief primer on the importance of Advocacy and MiBAP accomplishments, the panel focused on the emerging integration of Behavioral Health with Physical Health Care. The panel included Rep. Julie Calley, Rep. Mary Whiteford, Sen. Curtis Hertel and was moderated by MiBAP President Candace Lake. Legislative decision-making on this issue is expected in Q4 of 2021. MiBAP will continue to focus on necessary improvements for those we serve and the entire ABA provider community as integration is debated and decided.
Education Committee
The Education Committee was thrilled to be able to offer their first CE eligible webinar. MiBAP is officially a BACB approved CE Provider! We’re eager to review feedback on what webinars the organization is most interested in and start making plans for the future. Any questions or interest in joining the committee, please connect with Mike Dow or Megan DiMartino.
Quality Committee
The Quality Committee discussions have recently included the outcomes white paper published by the BHCOE (including the four components of standardization, age normative, skills assessment, and social validity), forthcoming CASP outcomes tools, ICHOM standards, and various roles in organizations that collect and analyze outcomes data. The Committee has also started preliminary discussions on how to best ensure member organizations meet quality standards. Future projects are being discussed with MiBAP leadership and may include additional learning opportunities relevant to outcomes measures.
From the President
The third quarter of 2021 has seen a budget passed in the legislature, which included our boilerplate language as well as ongoing premium pay for direct care workers. We have continued to meet with legislators and stakeholders regarding proposed legislation to ensure the voices of Michigan’s behavior analysis providers are heard. MiBAP hosted an ethics webinar with Dr. Matt Brodhead in September, and just last week facilitated a panel discussion with Michigan legislators regarding the Behavioral Health Integration proposals as the kick-off event for the Michigan Autism Conference. We sent out a survey last month regarding potential webinar topics and are looking forward to providing trainings on these topics as our webinar series continues. As always, we’d love to hear from you, so please reach out if you’ve encountered issues you’d like MiBAP to address.