Registered Behavior Technician (RBT)

• The Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) is a paraprofessional who practices under the close, ongoing supervision of a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) or Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA).
• The RBT is primarily responsible for the direct implementation of behavior-analytic services.
• The RBT credential is for individuals who provide direct behavioral services.

RBT Responsibility

• Implement interventions
• Collect data
• Assist with assessments
• The RBT does not design intervention or assessment plans
• It is outside the RBT's scope of practice to interpret data or make changes to existing programs.

RBT Certification Requirements

• Age: Must be 18 years old or older.
• Education: Must have a minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Criminal Background Check: Must pass a criminal background check.
• Training: Completion of a 40-hour RBT training program.
• Competency Assessment: Completion of the RBT Initial Competency Assessment.
• Examination: Pass the RBT examination.

RBT Renewal Requirements

• Renewal Application: Submit an application for renewal every year.
• Ongoing Supervision: Maintain ongoing supervision by a qualified supervisor (BCBA or BCaBA).
• Renewal Competency Assessment: Complete the RBT Renewal Competency Assessment with a supervisor.
• Ethics Requirements: Adhere to the RBT ethics code.

RBT Code of Ethics

• The RBT Code of Ethics outlines professional and ethical behavior for RBTs.
• The code emphasizes:
  • Integrity
  • Responsibility
  • Professionalism
  • Confidentiality
  • Avoiding conflicts of interest
• RBTs must adhere to these ethical guidelines in all their professional activities.

Key RBT Standards

• Implement behavior-analytic services under supervision.
• Follow the directions of the supervisor.
• Maintain accurate and reliable data.
• Protect the confidentiality of clients.
• Act with integrity and professionalism.
• Adhere to the RBT Code of Ethics.
• Communicate effectively with supervisors and other team members.
• Report any concerns or issues to the supervisor.
• Maintain professional boundaries with clients and families.
• Seek ongoing training and professional development.

Supervision Standards

• RBTs must receive ongoing supervision from a qualified supervisor.
• Supervision must meet the minimum requirements set by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB).
• Supervision includes:
  • Observation of the RBT's performance
  • Feedback and guidance
  • Training on new skills and procedures
• The purpose of supervision is to improve the RBT's skills and ensure the quality of services provided.

Data Collection Standards

• RBTs are responsible for collecting accurate and reliable data on client behavior.
• Data collection methods may include:
  • Frequency recording
  • Duration recording
  • Interval recording
  • ABC (Antecedent-Behavior-Consequence) recording
• Data must be recorded in a consistent and standardized manner.
• RBTs must be trained on the specific data collection methods they are expected to use.

Professional Conduct Standards

• RBTs must conduct themselves in a professional and ethical manner at all times.
• This includes:
  • Maintaining confidentiality
  • Respecting client rights
  • Avoiding conflicts of interest
  • Reporting any suspected abuse or neglect
• RBTs must adhere to the RBT Code of Ethics and all applicable laws and regulations.

Training Standards

• The initial RBT training program must meet the requirements set by the BACB.
• The training must cover the following topics:
  • Basic principles of behavior analysis
  • Measurement
  • Assessment
  • Skill acquisition
  • Behavior reduction
  • Documentation and reporting
  • Professional conduct and ethics
• RBTs must also receive ongoing training and professional development to maintain their skills and knowledge.

Assessment Standards

• RBTs may assist with assessments under the supervision of a qualified professional.
• RBTs must be trained on the specific assessment procedures they are expected to use.
• RBTs must collect data accurately and reliably during assessments.
• It is outside the RBT's scope of practice to interpret assessment results or make recommendations based on assessments.

Skill Acquisition Standards

• RBTs implement skill acquisition programs under the supervision of a qualified professional.
• RBTs must be trained on the specific teaching procedures they are expected to use.
• RBTs must implement programs consistently and accurately.
• RBTs must collect data on client progress and report it to the supervisor.

Behavior Reduction Standards

• RBTs implement behavior reduction programs under the supervision of a qualified professional.
• RBTs must be trained on the specific behavior reduction procedures they are expected to use.
• RBTs must implement programs safely and ethically.
• RBTs must collect data on client behavior and report it to the supervisor.

Documentation and Reporting Standards

• RBTs are responsible for documenting their work with clients.
• Documentation must be accurate, complete, and timely.
• Documentation may include:
  • Session notes
  • Data sheets
  • Incident reports
• RBTs must report any concerns or issues to the supervisor.

Maintaining Competence

• RBTs should participate in ongoing professional development activities.
• RBTs should seek supervision and guidance from qualified professionals.
• RBTs should stay up-to-date on the latest research and best practices in behavior analysis.
• RBTs should reflect on their own practice and identify areas for improvement.

Communication Standards

• Communicate effectively with supervisors, clients, and other professionals.
• Use clear and concise language.
• Listen actively and respectfully.
• Provide feedback in a constructive manner.
• Maintain confidentiality and respect privacy.

Emergency Procedures

• RBTs should be trained on emergency procedures.
• Know how to respond to medical emergencies.
• Understand how to handle crisis situations.
• Be aware of safety protocols and procedures.

RBT Scope of Practice

• The RBT works under close, ongoing supervision.
• The RBT is responsible for direct implementation of services.
• The RBT does not design assessments or intervention plans.
• The RBT assists with assessments, implements interventions, and collects data.