(From left to right: Dr. Paige McKerchar, Senator Cam Ward, Mrs. Anna McConnell)

Dr. Paige McKerchar is a valuable asset in many areas.  She serves as the Head of the Psychology Department at Jacksonville State University, the Director of the Center for Behavioral Studies, and the Executive Director of the Alabama Association for Behavior Analysis.

Recently, her work as the Executive Director of the Alabama Association for Behavior Analysis contributed to new legislation. Dr. McKerchar drafted the bill, SB13, which passed into law in March. Dr. McKerchar did so with the support of Senator Cam Ward, Bama Hager, Anna McConnell, Susan Hansen, Jane Davis, and the Alabama Department of Mental Health. 

          With the passage of SB13 in Alabama's House and Senate, Alabama became the 15th State to license Behavior Analysts who provide Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services.

Dr. McKerchar said, “Behavior analysts across the nation are working toward state licensure…State licensure will provide closer oversight of ABA service providers and will increase access to services for families whose insurance covers ABA therapy, a medically necessary treatment for autism, provided by licensed professionals”

          Jacksonville State University will also reap rewards from Dr. McKerchar’s efforts. Licensure for behavior analysts will attract students whom are interested in pursuing that career field. And JSU would prove to be an excellent choice for these students as the Psychology Department is well established. 

“JSU's Psychology Department offers the only graduate program in Alabama that is accredited by the Association for Behavior Analysis International, the primary membership organization for behavior analysts; and it offers one of only two graduate programs in Alabama that provides the coursework necessary for becoming a licensed behavior analyst,” said Dr. McKerchar. 

04/17/2014