When Michael Gao founded Alpaca Health, he had one goal: to help BCBAs launch and grow independent ABA practices without the overwhelming administrative burden. But there was one question he kept hearing from new practice owners across the country:
"How do I keep my client records safe and stay HIPAA compliant without becoming an IT expert?"
For many ABA entrepreneurs, managing HIPAA compliance felt intimidating. Between juggling clinical work, hiring staff, and navigating insurance, they worried about accidentally violating rules or falling prey to cyberattacks. The stakes were high: one data breach could mean lost trust, massive fines, or even shuttering their business.
This fear wasn’t unfounded. Derek, founder of WOM Technology Management Group, had seen small healthcare businesses crumble after security incidents.
“I tried quitting caffeine once. It was the most miserable week of my life,” Derek joked during a webinar. “But what scared me more? Seeing passionate ABA owners blindsided by IT issues they thought couldn’t happen to them.”
New ABA owners needed a way to protect their practices from day one—without going back to school for an IT degree.
The Breakthrough: Building a Partnership to Protect ABA Entrepreneurs
Michael and Derek met over a shared mission: keep ABA owners independent and focused on their clinical mission.
Alpaca Health was already removing barriers for BCBAs by handling credentialing, billing, and practice management. WOM Technology brought something equally critical to the table: affordable, scalable IT compliance solutions tailored to small healthcare businesses.
Together, they realized they could create a holistic support system for ABA startups. While Alpaca handled the operational load, WOM Technology could step in to provide:
Cybersecurity assessments designed for small ABA teams.
HIPAA training programs that were simple, not scary.
Contingency planning so practices could weather the storm if systems went down.
And importantly, they started tackling common questions raised in ABA communities:
"Does HIPAA apply if I’m working in schools?"
FERPA often governs schools, but there are situations where HIPAA still applies. Derek’s team guides ABA owners on how to navigate this overlap confidently.
"Am I violating HIPAA if I reach out to families I’ve worked with before?"
The answer lies in understanding boundaries. Former clinicians can ethically and legally offer services if parents post publicly asking for help—but discretion and proper consent are key.
"Can I text families using their child’s name?"
WOM Technology helps practices craft clear consent forms for communication preferences. Even with consent, using initials or codes is the safest route unless you’re on a HIPAA-compliant platform.
The Solution: Simple, Affordable Compliance for ABA Startups
In a recent Alpaca Health webinar, Derek laid out how WOM Technology helps new ABA owners:
Security Risk Assessments (SRAs): For just $197, WOM performs a full HIPAA-required risk assessment and gives owners a clear action plan.
Easy Wins: Implementing multi-factor authentication, password policies, and appointing a compliance officer.
Staff Training: Micro-learning modules to keep compliance top of mind without overwhelming teams.
Data Redundancy Plans: Ensuring client records are safe even if a practice management system crashes.
“We’re not here to scare you,” Derek reassured attendees. “This is about empowerment. You don’t need to be perfect—you just need a plan and steady progress.”
Watch "IT Compliance 101: A Guide for New ABA Practice Owners" Webinar
The Results: Confidence and Peace of Mind
For new ABA owners in Alpaca Health’s network, the partnership with WOM Technology has been transformative:
Confidence from Day One: Knowing their HIPAA compliance is handled, owners can focus on delivering high-quality care.
Reduced Risk: With clear policies, staff training, and secure systems, these practices are far less likely to fall victim to costly breaches.
Financial Security: By avoiding compliance pitfalls, practices avoid fines and maintain steady cash flow.
“Alpaca made sure I could pay my team every two weeks, even when insurance delayed payments. And WOM helped me sleep at night knowing my clients’ data was protected,” said one BCBA owner in Florida.
The Innovation: Tailored Support for the BCBA Entrepreneur
Unlike large corporate ABA chains, Alpaca and WOM Technology focus on the independent BCBA. Their systems are:
Built for small teams: No need for an in-house IT department.
Affordable: Designed to fit the budget of startups.
Educational: Owners learn just enough to stay in control.
This human-centered approach empowers clinicians to grow without sacrificing ethics, security, or sustainability.
The Tools & Technology That Make It Possible
Alpaca’s All-in-One Platform: Scheduling, billing, payroll, and data collection.
WOM’s Compliance Framework: Security risk assessments, incident response planning, and ongoing support.
Weekly Micro-Training: Keeping teams aware and engaged in compliance practices.
Looking Ahead: Scaling Safely and Sustainably
As these ABA startups grow, Alpaca and WOM continue to support them with scalable solutions. Future webinars will cover topics like tax deductions for ABA owners, FERPA vs HIPAA distinctions for school-based services, and advanced cybersecurity tactics.
Advice to New ABA Practice Owners
“You didn’t become a BCBA to manage servers or sit on hold with insurance companies,” Michael reminded the webinar audience. “Lean on partners like Alpaca and WOM so you can focus on what matters most: changing lives.”
Derek agreed: “Start small. Make incremental progress. And most importantly, don’t wait until it’s too late to get compliant.”
As the ABA field continues to evolve, staying ahead with strong compliance and reliable support has never been more crucial. Alpaca Health and WOM Technology are committed to giving you the peace of mind you deserve so you can focus on delivering exceptional clinical care.
Final Thoughts
Together, we empower ABA practice owners like you to navigate the complexities of HIPAA, FERPA, and modern cybersecurity threats with confidence and clarity. Whether you’re just starting your practice or scaling to meet growing demand, our partnership provides the tools, knowledge, and infrastructure needed to protect your clients and your business. Don’t leave your practice’s future to chance. Take the next step to secure your systems, streamline your operations, and grow sustainably.
Ready to see how it works?
Book a personalized demo today and discover how Alpaca Health and WOM Technology can help you launch, protect, and scale your ABA practice with confidence. Click here to schedule your demo and take the first step toward a stress-free, secure business journey.
