Standard 1.03: Working in a defined role under supervision
RBTs provide services under their RBT certification only within a clearly defined role and only while receiving close, ongoing supervision. An RBT is not an independent practitioner; a qualified supervisor directs the work and is responsible for it.
What it means in practice
The code's introduction says RBTs practice under the "direction and close supervision" of an RBT Supervisor and/or RBT Requirements Coordinator, who are responsible for all the work the RBT performs. The RBT Handbook adds that you may only practice when you have a supervisor or coordinator on record with the BACB. If you have none, your certification is inactive and you may not practice, bill, or present yourself as an active RBT until a qualified supervisor adds you as a supervisee in their BACB account.
A clearly defined role means doing the activities behavior technicians typically do, as assigned by your supervisor: implementing skill-acquisition and behavior-reduction plans, collecting data, running preference assessments and writing session notes, for example. Designing interventions, choosing goals, deciding a behavior's function or changing a plan belong to the supervisor.
The handbook sets the supervision minimums: at least 5% of your service hours each calendar month, at least two face-to-face, real-time contacts per month, at least one of them individual, and at least one observation of you working with a client. You need a supervisor for every client you serve, and you must meet the requirements at each organization where you provide services.
Because an RBT does not control how their own work is done, the handbook notes that in the US an RBT would almost never qualify as an independent contractor under IRS definitions, and it advises anyone working that way to consult a tax professional.
Scenarios
| Situation | What to do |
|---|---|
| The parent of a client you used to serve asks you to work with their child privately on weekends, "doing ABA", paid in cash and without the agency. | Decline. You can't provide services under your RBT certification without a supervisor directing and overseeing the work, and the arrangement would also create a multiple relationship. Let your supervisor know about the request. |
| Your supervisor leaves the company, and no other supervisor has added you as a supervisee yet. | You may not provide services as an RBT until a qualified supervisor or coordinator adds you in their BACB account. Tell your organization right away so it can arrange a new supervisor, and do not run or bill sessions in the meantime. |
| You pick up one client through a second agency, where no supervisor oversees your work with that client. | Don't start until a qualified supervisor at that organization is overseeing your work with that client. Every client you serve needs a supervisor, and the supervision requirements apply at each organization. |
| Because the BCBA is busy, a clinic manager asks you to write the behavior plan for a new client. | Explain that writing behavior plans is outside the RBT role. Tell your supervisor about the request right away and document it (see 1.06). |
Practice questions
-
Question 1Which part of a functional analysis is appropriate for an RBT?
Show answer
D: Running assigned conditions exactly as written under supervision. RBTs participate in components of functional assessment, such as running conditions as written and collecting data. The supervisor designs the analysis, interprets results and writes the plan.
- A: Choosing conditions is part of designing the analysis, which the supervisor does.
- B: Interpreting results and writing the plan are the supervisor's responsibilities.
- C: RBTs only provide services under close, ongoing supervision and do not run analyses on their own.
Task B.3 · 40-hour curriculum section D · RBT Ethics Code 1.03
-
Question 2Why does an RBT pass a team member's suggestion to the supervisor instead of acting on it right away?
Show answer
A: The supervisor designs the plan and is responsible for all of the RBT's services. RBTs practice under close supervision, and the supervisor is responsible for their work. Changes need the supervisor's review so the plan stays coordinated and safe.
- B: Team suggestions are valuable; that is why they are passed on.
- C: There is no BACB rule requiring written approval of every suggestion.
- D: RBTs can talk with team members; they just do not change the plan on their own.
Task E.1 · RBT Ethics Code 1.03 · RBT Ethics Code 2.06
-
Question 3During a home session, a caregiver asks the RBT to also work on the client's younger sibling's tantrums while they are there. What should the RBT do?
Show answer
D: Explain they can only serve the client and pass the request on. An RBT provides only the services set up for their client, under the supervisor. A request for help with another family member goes to the supervisor, who can discuss options with the family.
- A: Working with the sibling at any time is providing unauthorized services.
- B: Serving someone who is not the client goes beyond the RBT's defined role.
- C: Giving intervention advice for another child goes beyond the RBT's role.
Task E.1 · RBT Ethics Code 1.03 · RBT Ethics Code 2.06
-
Question 4When an RBT has a question about how to carry out a client's plan, whom should they ask first?
Show answer
C: Their supervisor for that client. Clinical direction comes from the supervisor responsible for the RBT's work with that client. That is the first step in the chain of command.
- A: Coworkers can help with practical things, but clinical direction comes from the supervisor.
- B: Administrative staff do not give clinical direction.
- D: Caregivers are part of the team but do not direct the RBT's clinical work.
Task E.2 · RBT Ethics Code 1.03 · 40-hour curriculum section F
Answer every question to see your score.
Where it sits in the code
Standard 1.03 is in section 1, General Responsibilities, of the RBT Ethics Code (2.0). On the exam it relates to task F.3 Ongoing supervision. Read the official text for the exact wording.
Related standards: 1.06 Competence, 3.01 Meeting BACB and supervision requirements, 3.07 BACB account and certification status, 1.04 Never the employer of your supervisor.