What Are the Supervision Requirements for an RBT?
A Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) is a professional who provides direct therapy under the guidance of a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) or a Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA). To ensure high-quality services and professional growth, RBTs must receive ongoing supervision.
Why Is Supervision Important?
Supervision helps RBTs to:
- Deliver effective therapy and implement behavior plans correctly.
- Continuously improve their skills and effectiveness.
- Follow ethical guidelines and best practices in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA).
- Stay updated with new techniques in ABA therapy.
BACB Supervision Requirements
The Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) sets clear guidelines for RBT supervision:
- Minimum Supervision Hours: RBTs must receive supervision for at least 5% of the total hours spent providing ABA services each month. For example, if an RBT works 80 hours per month, they must receive at least 4 hours of supervision.
- Types of Supervision Sessions:
- Individual Supervision: One-on-one meetings with the supervisor.
- Group Supervision: Meetings with multiple RBTs present (not exceeding 10 RBTs).
- Note: At least one monthly supervision session must be individual.
- Who Can Supervise an RBT:
- Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)
- Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA)
- BCBA-D (Doctoral-level BCBA)
- Activities During Supervision:
- Reviewing client progress
- Role-playing scenarios
- Direct feedback on ABA techniques
- Discussing ethical concerns
- Implementing behavior intervention strategies
Real-Life Example
Sarah, an RBT, works 100 hours per month providing ABA therapy to children with autism. Her BCBA supervisor, Dr. Miller, ensures that she receives at least 5% supervision (i.e., 5 hours per month). In their supervision sessions, Dr. Miller:
- Observes Sarah during therapy sessions.
- Provides feedback on her prompting techniques.
- Conducts a role-play exercise on handling aggressive behaviors.
- Discusses ethical challenges, like what to do if a parent requests services beyond approval.
What Happens If Supervision Requirements Aren’t Met?
If an RBT fails to meet the 5% supervision requirement, their certification may become inactive, and they may be required to reapply.
Can RBTs Receive More Than 5% Supervision?
Yes! Many RBTs receive additional supervision to refine their skills. While 5% is the minimum requirement, more supervision can enhance professional development.
How Many RBTs Can a BCBA Supervise?
There is no specific limit set by the BACB on the number of RBTs a BCBA can supervise. However, the BCBA must ensure that all RBTs receive proper supervision and meet BACB guidelines.
Summary
Supervision is essential for RBTs to deliver effective therapy, improve their skills, and adhere to ethical standards. By meeting the BACB’s supervision requirements, RBTs can maintain their certification and provide high-quality services to clients.
