Applied Behavioral Analysis and Documentation Requirements Policies Update

Date: 05/14/25

Effective August 1, 2025, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services must meet specific documentation requirements and adhere to applicable regulations, accreditation standards, and professional practice standards.

Appropriate and accurate documentation is critical for Meridian and YouthCare members’ quality of care, treatment planning, and progress monitoring. It helps facilitate communication with all care teams, ensuring appropriate utilization reviews and regulatory reimbursement compliance.

ABA is the application of behavioral principles to everyday situations, intended to increase skills or decrease targeted behaviors and has been used to improve members’ language, self-help, and play skills, and decrease behaviors such as aggression, self-stimulatory behaviors, and self-injury.

The clinical policies Applied Behavior Analysis, CP.BH.104, and Applied Behavioral Analysis Documentation Requirements, CP.BH.105, are posted on Meridian’s Clinical and Payment Policies web page and on YouthCare’s Clinical and Payment Policies web page.

For questions, contact Meridian Provider Services at 866-606-3700, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., or YouthCare Provider Services at 844-289-2264, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.