From Diagnosis to Discharge

An Ethical and Solution-Focused Discussion About TRICARE Policy Pain Points


Original Air Date: August 25, 2022

Short Title: TRICARE Policy - An Ethical and Solution Focused Discussion

CEU offered: 1.5 Ethics CEU

Webinar Duration: 90 minutes

CE Instructor:

  • Rebecca Womack, MS, BCBA, LBA


Learning Objectives:

  1. Attendees will learn about important ethics standards applicable to providers delivering ABA services under the TRICARE ACD policy;
  2. Attendees will understand common ABA provider mistakes made with respect to the TRICARE ACD policy for ABA services;
  3. Attendees will learn about the solutions identified for common mistakes made by ABA providers adhering to the TRICARE ACD policy for ABA services.


Abstract:

There were several changes made to the TRICARE Autism Care Demonstration (ACD) policy specific to applied behavior analysis (ABA) services for military families with autistic children occurred in March 2021. Since then, ABA providers have been required to deliver services in accordance with the policy located in the TRICARE Operations Manual (TOM), Chapter 18, Section 4. There have been challenges with ABA providers submitting work products that accurately reflect the necessary components to begin, maintain, and discharge an autistic beneficiary from services. The webinar will begin with some of the ethics standards from the Behavior Analyst’s Certification Board (BACB) Ethics for Behavior Analysts (the Code) that are applicable to delivering ABA services. It will then touch on the process of obtaining information for a diagnosis, as well as all the other phases of ABA service delivery. There will also be a section that reviews session note documentation. The webinar will review some of the policy requirements in each phase of service, common mistakes, and recommendations for solutions. All of this information will be related to the Code to highlight the various ethical considerations for each section. Attendees will learn about some of the areas ABA providers have difficulty with and alternative ways to ensure compliance with the TRICARE ACD policy. By ensuring this information is connected to the Code, the focus will be on ensuring the continuity of each client’s care.



Instructor(s)

MS, BCBA, LBA Rebecca Womack

Rebecca several years of experience rendering services via telehealth as well as researched this topic when advocating on behalf of providers and military families in DC regarding the TRICARE ABA benefit.
 Rebecca has been privileged to serve adults and children using ABA in a variety of capacities. From facility-based care, to working in group homes, daycare centers, schools, and family homes, her experience includes implementing evidence-based therapy across multiple settings. As part of this, she has traveled across the United States and overseas to provide consultation for families with children and adults who have autism. Rebecca currently serves as the Director of Clinical Compliance for Blue Sprig Pediatrics, Inc. There she works collaboratively with a team of interdisciplinary professionals to create quality assurance policies and ensure that related processes are ethically and contractually aligned with health plan standards.