Using information collected in a survey of all 50 states and the District of Columbia, the study analyzed state definitions of the "behavior disordered/emotionally disturbed" (BD/ED) category of handicapped children, program entrance and exit criteria, and procedures for referral, evaluation, and program placement. A general lack of definitional consensus, as well as lack of agreement on eligibility criteria, were reported. Some variant of the seriously emotionally disturbed (SED) label was used by almost two-thirds of the states, despite indications that both research literature and teacher training programs prefer the BD label. Twelve states reported using the definition prescribed in Public Law 94-142, the Education for All Handicapped Children Act. Clear and carefully articulated exit criteria were developed by only 17 states (39%). A considerable variety of methods used for referral, evaluation, and program placement were reported. Although multidisciplinary staffing is one of several procedural safeguards contained in Public Law 94-142, it is required by only 77% of the 48 states that provide procedural guidelines. Effective programming for the BD/ED population will continue to be thwarted until professional consensus is obtained in the areas of definition and program eligiblity. (JW)