ABA Services Policies and Professional Standards
Professional Roles of the BCBA and RBT
Our practice provides Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services in accordance with the ethical standards established by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) and all applicable state and federal regulations.
Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)
The BCBA is responsible for the clinical oversight of all ABA services. Duties include:
- Conducting behavioral assessments and developing individualized treatment plans.
- Establishing treatment goals based on assessment results and family input.
- Supervising Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) and ensuring quality of services.
- Monitoring client progress and modifying treatment plans as needed.
- Providing parent and caregiver training to support skill generalization.
- Coordinating care with other professionals when appropriate and authorized.
Registered Behavior Technician (RBT)
The RBT works under the supervision of a BCBA and is responsible for implementing treatment plans developed by the BCBA. Responsibilities include:
- Providing direct one-on-one ABA therapy.
- Collecting and documenting treatment data during each session.
- Following behavior intervention plans and teaching procedures as designed by the BCBA.
- Communicating client progress and concerns to the supervising BCBA.
- Maintaining professionalism, confidentiality, and ethical standards at all times.
- RBTs do not independently develop treatment plans or make clinical decisions regarding a client's programming.
Gifts and Gratuities
To maintain professional boundaries and comply with ethical standards, employees are not permitted to accept gifts, cash, gift cards, or other items with a value greater than $10.00 from clients or their families.
While expressions of appreciation are valued, families are respectfully asked to refrain from offering gifts that exceed this amount. Any gift exceeding $10 may be politely declined or returned in accordance with agency policy.
Confidentiality and HIPAA Compliance
Our practice is committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of every client in accordance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and all applicable federal and state privacy laws.
Protected Health Information (PHI) will only be used or disclosed:
- For purposes of treatment, payment, and healthcare operations, including obtaining insurance authorization or reimbursement for ABA services.
- When required or permitted by law.
- With the client's or legal guardian's written authorization through a signed Release of Information (ROI).
- In situations involving mandatory reporting requirements or when necessary to prevent a serious threat to the health or safety of the client or others, as required by law.
Documentation and Records During Service Transitions
Our practice maintains complete and accurate clinical records for every client throughout the course of treatment.
If services are discontinued or transitioned to another provider, we will:
- Maintain all documentation in accordance with applicable state and federal record retention requirements.
- Ensure that all treatment records remain secure and confidential.
- Upon receipt of a properly completed and signed Release of Information, provide copies of appropriate records to the receiving provider to facilitate continuity of care.
- Document the reason for discharge or transition and any recommendations provided to the family.
- Cooperate with authorized providers to support a smooth transition while protecting client confidentiality.
Service Interruptions and Continuity of Care
Although every effort is made to provide uninterrupted services, circumstances such as staff illness, emergencies, scheduling changes, or therapist resignation may occasionally result in temporary service interruptions.
When a service interruption occurs, our practice will:
- Notify the family as soon as reasonably possible regarding any anticipated interruption.
- Make every reasonable effort to identify another qualified therapist to provide coverage when appropriate.
- Ensure that any replacement therapist receives appropriate clinical supervision and necessary training regarding the client's treatment plan.
- Maintain communication with the family regarding expected timelines and scheduling updates.
- Continue BCBA oversight and clinical support whenever possible during the transition period.
- Resume regularly scheduled services as quickly as staffing allows while prioritizing quality and continuity of care.
- While temporary interruptions may occasionally be unavoidable, our goal is to minimize disruption and provide consistent, high-quality ABA services for every client.
BCBA Scope of Practice and Discharge of Services
Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) provide services within the scope of their education, training, experience, and certification as defined by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) Ethics Code and all applicable state laws and regulations. ABA services are designed to assess and treat behaviors that are socially significant through evidence-based behavioral interventions. BCBAs do not diagnose medical or mental health conditions, prescribe medications, provide counseling or psychotherapy outside the scope of behavior analysis, or practice outside their area of professional competence. When a client's needs fall outside the BCBA's scope of practice, appropriate referrals to qualified professionals will be recommended.
ABA services may be discontinued or terminated when one or more of the following conditions exist: treatment goals have been successfully achieved; ABA services are no longer medically necessary or are no longer authorized by the client's funding source; the client or legal guardian requests discharge; repeated cancellations, no-shows, or lack of participation prevent effective treatment; the agency is unable to safely or effectively provide services; the family relocates outside the service area; required consents or authorizations are withdrawn; or other circumstances arise that make continuation of services inappropriate. Whenever possible, families will receive advance notice of service termination, recommendations for continued care, and assistance with transitioning to another qualified provider if clinically appropriate.
Questions, Concerns, or Complaints:
If you have any questions, concerns, or complaints regarding your BCBA or the services you are receiving, we encourage you to first contact our agency so we can promptly address your concerns. You also have the right to file a complaint with the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) regarding the conduct of a BCBA or RBT if you believe they have violated the BACB Ethics Code. Information on how to file a complaint can be found on the BACB website at www.bacb.com. If applicable, you may also contact your state's licensing board for behavior analysts.