# WAC 182-531A-0400: WAC 182-531A-0400. Applied behavior analysis (ABA) — Client eligibility

> Washington · Regulations · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_182_531A_0400

## Section

- **Citation:** WAC 182-531A-0400
- **Heading:** WAC 182-531A-0400. Applied behavior analysis (ABA) — Client eligibility
- **Jurisdiction:** Washington
- **Kind:** Regulations
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** Washington Administrative Code / Title 182 / Chapter 182-531A / Section 182-531A-0400

## Text

To be eligible for applied behavior analysis (ABA) services, a client must:
(1) Be covered under Washington apple health (WAH);
(2) Provide documentation created by a COE provider that:
(a) Establishes the presence of functional impairment; delay in communication, behavior, or social interaction; or repetitive or stereotyped behavior;
(b) Establishes that the client's impairment, delay, or behaviors adversely affect development or communication, or both, such that:
(i) The client cannot adequately participate in home, school, or community activities because the behavior or skill deficit interferes with these activities; or
(ii) The client's behavior endangers the client or another person, or impedes access to home and community activities; and
(c) An agency-recognized center of excellence (COE) provider has confirmed that:
(i) The client meets all requirements in (a) and (b) of this subsection;
(ii) The client has a qualifying diagnosis;
(A) Autism spectrum disorder; or
(B) Developmental/intellectual disability;
(iii) There is a reasonable expectation the requested services will result in measurable improvement in either the client's behavior, skills, or both; and
(iv) Either:
(A) Less intrusive or less intensive behavioral interventions have been tried and have not been successful; or
(B) No equally effective and substantially less costly alternative is available for reducing interfering behaviors, increasing prosocial skills and behaviors, or maintaining desired behaviors.

## Nearby sections

- [WAC 182-531A-0100 WAC 182-531A-0100. Applied behavior analysis (ABA) — Purpose](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_182_531A_0100.md)
- [WAC 182-531A-0200 WAC 182-531A-0200. Applied behavior analysis (ABA) — Definitions](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_182_531A_0200.md)
- [WAC 182-531A-0300 WAC 182-531A-0300. Applied behavior analysis (ABA) — Threshold requirements](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_182_531A_0300.md)
- [WAC 182-531A-0400 WAC 182-531A-0400. Applied behavior analysis (ABA) — Client eligibility](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_182_531A_0400.md)
- [WAC 182-531A-0500 WAC 182-531A-0500. Applied behavior analysis (ABA) — Stage one: COE evaluation and prescription](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_182_531A_0500.md)
- [WAC 182-531A-0600 WAC 182-531A-0600. Applied behavior analysis (ABA) — Stage two: Functional assessment and treatment plan development](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_182_531A_0600.md)
- [WAC 182-531A-0700 WAC 182-531A-0700. Applied behavior analysis (ABA) — Stage three: Delivery of ABA services](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_182_531A_0700.md)
- [WAC 182-531A-0800 WAC 182-531A-0800. Applied behavior analysis (ABA) — Provider requirements](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_182_531A_0800.md)
- [WAC 182-531A-0900 WAC 182-531A-0900. Applied behavior analysis (ABA) — Covered services](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_182_531A_0900.md)
- [WAC 182-531A-1000 WAC 182-531A-1000. Applied behavior analysis (ABA) — Noncovered services](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_182_531A_1000.md)
- [WAC 182-531A-1100 WAC 182-531A-1100. Applied behavior analysis (ABA) — Prior authorization and recertification of ABA services](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_182_531A_1100.md)
- [WAC 182-531A-1200 WAC 182-531A-1200. Applied behavior analysis (ABA) — Services provided via telemedicine](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_182_531A_1200.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_182_531A_0400. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.