Rules Chapter 5

Chapter 5. Supervision Requirements

Subchapter A. Supervision Requirements for State Certified Assistant Behavior Analysts (SCABA)

501. Supervision - General

A. A state certified assistant behavior analyst (hereinafter referred to as SCABA) shall assist a licensed behavior analyst (hereinafter referred to as LBA) in the delivery of applied behavior analysis in compliance with all state and federal statutes, regulations, and rules.

B. The SCABA may only perform services under the direct supervision of a LBA as set forth in this Rule.

C. Supervision shall be an interactive process between the LBA and SCABA. It shall be more than peer review or co-signature.

D. There shall be a written supervisory agreement between the LBA and the SCABA that shall address:

the domains of competency within which services may be provided by the SCABA; and
the nature and frequency of the supervision of the practice of the SCABA by the LBA.

E. A copy of the written supervisory agreement must be maintained by the LBA and the SCABA and made available to the board upon request.

AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 37:3706-R.S. 37:3708.

HISTORICAL NOTE: Promulgated by the Department of Health and Hospitals, Behavior Analysts Board, LR 40:1933 (October 2014), amended by the Department of Health, Behavior Analyst Board, LR 42:1516 (September 2016).

503. Supervision Requirements [Formerly §502]

A. The manner of supervision shall depend on the treatment setting, patient/client caseload, and the competency of the SCABA. At a minimum, for full-time SCABAS, working at least 30 hours per week, a face-to-face supervisory meeting shall occur not less than once every four weeks, with each supervisory session lasting no less than one hour for full-time SCABAS. In-person, on-site observation is preferred. However, this face-to-face supervision may be conducted via web cameras, videoconferencing, or similar means (telehealth) in lieu of the supervisor being physically present in the same geographic space as the technician, provided the remote methods comply with all relevant privacy protection laws and regulations. Face-to-face supervision conducted remotely requires two-way video and audio capability, real-time 1:1 contact must occur while the client’s session is occurring; and on-site requires the SCABA to be on-site with the client. The qualifying supervision activities may include:

direct, real-time observation of the SCABA implementing behavior analytic assessment and intervention procedures with clients in natural environments and/or training others to implement them, with feedback from the supervising LBA; and
one-to-one real-time interactions between the supervising LBA and the SCABA to review and discuss assessment procedures, assessment outcomes, possible intervention procedures and materials, data collection procedures, intervention outcome data, modifications of intervention procedures, published research, ethical and professional standards and guidelines, professional development needs and opportunities, and relevant laws, regulations, and policies.

B. More frequent supervisory activities may be necessary as determined by the LBA or SCABA dependent on the level of expertise displayed by the SCABA, the practice setting, and/or the complexity of the patient/client caseload. Supervision should occur in a schedule and mode consistent with evidence-based practice and sufficient to ensure competence in the delivery of each client’s current treatment program. The qualifying supervision may include, but are not limited to:

real-time interactions between a supervising LBA and a group of SCABAs to review and discuss assessment and treatment plans and procedures, client assessment and progress data and reports, published research, ethical and professional standards and guidelines, professional development needs and opportunities, and relevant laws, regulations, and policies; and
Camera surveillance of sessions in which a supervisor only views the sessions remotely and communication occurs via text-messages, electronic mail, or other written or typed communication is allowed as additional supervision, but is a non-qualifying supervision activity.

C. Supervision requirements for part-time practice, less than 30 hours per week, may be modified at the discretion of the board upon approval of the submitted plan. Additional modifications of the format, frequency, or duration of supervision may be submitted for approval by the board.

AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 37:3706-R.S. 37:3708.

HISTORICAL NOTE: Promulgated by the Department of Health and Hospitals, Behavior Analyst Board, LR 40:1933 (October 2014), amended by the Department of Health, Behavior Analyst Board, LR 42:1516 (September 2016), amended by the Department of Health, Behavior Analyst Board, LR 46:567 (April 2020).

505. Supervision Responsibilities[Formerly §503]

A. Qualifying supervision shall ensure that the quality of the services provided by the SCABA to his employer and to consumers is in accordance with accepted standards, including the guidelines for responsible conduct for behavior analysts and professional disciplinary and ethical standards for the Behavior Analyst Certification Board or other nation credentialing bodies as approved by the board.

B. Qualifying supervision shall guide the professional development of the SCABA in ways that improve the practitioner’s knowledge and skills.

C. The LBA or the supervisor’s alternate LBA designee must be available for immediate consultation with the assistant behavior analyst. The supervisor need not be physically present or on the premises at all times.

D. The LBA is ultimately responsible and accountable for client care and outcomes under his clinical supervision. The supervising LBA shall:

be licensed by the board as a LBA;
not be under restriction or discipline from any licensing board or jurisdiction;
not have more than 10 full-time-equivalent SCABAs under his/her supervision at one time without prior approval by the board;
provide at least one hour of face-to-face, direct supervision per month per each SCABA.
be responsible for all referrals of the patient/client;
be responsible for completing the patient’s evaluation/assessment. The SCABA may contribute to the screening and/or evaluation process by gathering data, administering standardized tests, and reporting observations. The SCABA may not evaluate independently or initiate treatment before the supervising LBA’s evaluation/assessment; and
be responsible for developing and modifying the patient’s treatment plan. The treatment plan must include goals, interventions, frequency, and duration of treatment. The SCABA may contribute to the preparation, implementation, and documentation of the treatment plan. The supervising behavior analyst shall be responsible for the outcome of the treatment plan and assigning of appropriate intervention plans to the SCABA within the competency level of the SCABA.

E. Be responsible for developing the patient’s discharge plan. The SCABA may contribute to the preparation, implementation, and documentation of the discharge plan. The supervising LBA shall be responsible for the outcome of the discharge plan and assigning of appropriate tasks to the SCABA within the competency level of the SCABA.

F. Ensure that all patient/client documentation becomes a part of the permanent record.

G. Conduct at least one on-site observation per client per month.

H. The supervisor shall ensure that the SCABA provides applied behavior analysis as defined in R.S. 37:3702 appropriate to and consistent with his/her education, training, and experience.

I. Inform the board of the termination in a supervisory relationship within 10 calendar days.

AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 37:3706-R.S. 37:3708.

HISTORICAL NOTE: Promulgated by the Department of Health and Hospitals, Behavior Analyst Board, LR 40:1934 (October 2014), amended by the Department of Health, Behavior Analyst Board, LR 42:1516 (September 2016).

507. SCABA Responsibilities [Formerly §504]

A. The supervising LBA has the overall responsibility for providing the necessary supervision to protect the health and welfare of the patient/client receiving treatment from an SCABA. However, this does not absolve the SCABA from his/her professional responsibilities. The SCABA shall exercise sound judgment and provide adequate care in the performance of duties. The SCABA shall:

not initiate any patient/client treatment program or modification of said program until the behavior analyst has evaluated, established a treatment plan, and consulted with the LBA;
not perform an evaluation/assessment, but may assist in the data gathering process and administer specific assessments where clinical competency has been demonstrated, under the direction of the LBA;
not analyze or interpret evaluation data;
monitor the need for reassessment and report changes in status that might warrant reassessment or referral;
immediately suspend any treatment intervention that appears harmful to the patient/client and immediately notify the supervising LBA; and
ensure that all patient/client documentation prepared by the SCABA becomes a part of the permanent record;
meet these supervision requirements, even if they are not currently providing behavior analysis services. If not currently providing behavior analysis services, supervision from the supervising LBA may focus on guiding the development and maintenance of the SCABA’s professional knowledge and skills and remaining current with the professional literature in the field; and
inform the board of the termination in a supervisory relationship within 10 calendar days.

AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 37:3706-R.S. 37:3708.

Subchapter B. Supervision Requirements for Registered Line Technicians

509. Supervision - General

A. A registered line technician (hereinafter referred to as RLT) shall be responsible for implementing, not designing, the behavior plans designed by their supervising licensed behavior analyst.

B. The RLT may only perform behavior analytic services under the direct supervision of a LBA as set forth in this rule.

C. Supervision can be conducted by either the LBA or SCABA.

D. Supervision shall be an interactive process between the LBA or SCABA and RLT. It shall be more than peer review or co-signature. The supervisor and supervisee should maintain appropriate documentation on all supervision activities.

AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 37:3706-R.S. 37:3708.

HISTORICAL NOTE: Promulgated by the Department of Health, Behavior Analyst Board, LR 42:1517 (September 2016).

511. Supervision Requirements

A. The manner of supervision shall depend on the treatment setting, client caseload, and the competency of the RLT. It must be noted these are the minimum requirements and every LBA is still responsible for assuring supervision is provided at a frequency and mode that sufficiently addresses the needs of each individual client. The qualifying supervision must include the following criteria:

Each RLT must be supervised for a minimum of 5 percent of the hours spent providing applied behavior-analytical services per month.
Supervision must include at least two face-to-face contacts per month. At least one of the face-to-face contacts requires the supervisor observe the RLT providing services. In-person, on-site observation is preferred; however, via web cameras, videoconferencing, or similar means in lieu of the supervisor being physically present in the same geographic space as the technician, provided the remote methods comply with all relevant privacy protection laws and regulations is allowed. Face-to-face supervision conducted remotely requires two-way video and audio capability.
It must be noted these are minimum requirements and all licensed behavior analysts are still responsible for assuring supervision is provided at a frequency and mode to sufficiently address the needs of each individual client.
The LBA may delegate supervisory responsibilities to a SCABA under their direct supervision or another LBA. The LBA of record is ultimately responsible for all supervision requirements.
Other supervisory activities may include real-time interactions between a supervising LBA or SCABA and a group of RLTs to review and discuss assessment and treatment plans and procedures, client assessment and progress data and reports, published research, ethical and professional standards and guidelines, professional development needs and opportunities, and relevant laws, regulations and policies.

B. More frequent supervisory activities may be necessary as determined by the LBA, SCABA, or RLT, dependent on the level of expertise displayed by the RLT, the practice setting, and/or the complexity of the client caseload. Supervision should occur at a schedule consistent with evidence-based practice and sufficient to ensure competency in the delivery of each of the client’s current treatment programs. These additional supervisory activities; however, do not qualify towards minimum supervision requirements. Examples of additional non-qualifying supervision includes camera surveillance of sessions in which a supervisor only views the sessions remotely and communication occurs via text-messages, electronic mail, or other written or typed communication.

AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 37:3706-R.S. 37:3708.

HISTORICAL NOTE: Promulgated by the Department of Health, Behavior Analyst Board, LR 42:1517 (September 2016), amended by the Department of Health, Behavior Analyst Board, LR 46:568 (April 2020).

513. Supervision Documentation

A. All supervision should be documented and must contain a minimum of the client’s identifier, RLT’s name, date, time, brief description of supervision activities, and initials of both RLT and LBA.

B. All supervision documentation should be kept a minimum of six years.

C. Random audits will be conducted.

AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 37:3706-R.S. 37:3708.

HISTORICAL NOTE: Promulgated by the Department of Health, Behavior Analyst Board, LR 42:1518 (September 2016).

515. Supervision Responsibilities

A. Supervision shall ensure that the quality of the services provided by the RLT to his employer and to consumers is in accordance with accepted standards, including the Professional and Ethical Compliance Code for Behavior Analysts, adopted by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) board of directors on 08/07/14 and effective as of 01/01/16.

B. Supervision shall guide continuing professional development of the RLT in ways that improve the practitioner’s knowledge and skills.

C. It is the responsibility of the designated supervisor to determine which tasks an RLT may perform as a function of his or her training, experience, and competence.

D. The LBA, SCABA, or the supervisor’s alternate LBA or SCABA designee must be available for immediate consultation with the RLT. The supervisor need not be physically present or on the premises at all times.

E. The LBA is ultimately responsible and accountable for client care and outcomes under his clinical supervision. The supervising LBA shall:

be licensed by the board as a LBA;
not be under restriction or discipline from any licensing board or jurisdiction;
provide the minimum qualifying supervision requirements as stated in section, however more supervision may be necessary and should be conducted on a schedule consistent with evidence-based practice and sufficient to ensure competence in the delivery of each of the client’s current treatment programs;
be responsible for all referrals of the client;
be responsible for completing the client’s evaluation/assessment. The RLT may contribute to the screening and/or evaluation process by gathering data and reporting observations. The RLT may not evaluate independently or initiate treatment before the supervising LBA’s evaluation/assessment;
be responsible for developing and modifying the client’s treatment plan. The treatment plan must include goals, interventions, frequency, and duration of treatment. The RLT may contribute to the preparation, implementation, and documentation of the treatment plan. The supervising behavior analyst shall actively review all aspects of the RLTs contributions and be responsible for the outcome of the treatment plan and assigning of appropriate intervention plans to the RLT within the competency level of the RLT;
be responsible for developing the client’s discharge plan. The RLT may contribute to the preparation, implementation, and documentation of the discharge plan. The supervising LBA shall be responsible for the outcome of the discharge plan and assigning of appropriate tasks to the RLT within the competency level of the RLT;
inform the board of the termination in a supervisory relationship within 10 calendar days;
ensure that all client documentation becomes a part of the permanent record; and
if a RLT is not currently providing behavior analysis services, proper documentation must be maintained on reasons for not meeting qualifying supervision requirements.

F. The LBA is ultimately responsible and accountable for client care and outcomes under his clinical supervision. The supervising LBA shall:

be licensed by the board as a LBA;
not be under restriction or discipline from any licensing board or jurisdiction;
provide the minimum qualifying supervision requirements as stated in section, however more supervision may be necessary and should be conducted on a schedule consistent with evidence-based practice and sufficient to ensure competence in the delivery of each of the client’s current treatment programs;
ensure that all client documentation becomes a part of the permanent record; and
if a RLT is not currently providing behavior analysis services, proper documentation must be maintained on the reasoning for not meeting qualifying supervision requirements.

AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 37:3706-R.S. 37:3708.

HISTORICAL NOTE: Promulgated by the Department of Health, Behavior Analyst Board, LR 42:1518 (September 2016).

517. RLT Responsibilities

A. The supervising LBA has the overall responsibility for providing the necessary supervision to protect the health and welfare of the client receiving treatment from an RLT. However, this does not absolve the RLT from his/her professional responsibilities. The RLT shall exercise sound judgment and provide adequate care in the performance of duties. The RLT shall:

be primarily responsible for the direct implementation of skill acquisition and behavior-reduction plans developed by the supervisor;
not initiate any client treatment program or modification of said program until the behavior analyst has evaluated, established a treatment plan, and consulted with the LBA;
not perform an evaluation/assessment, but may assist in the data gathering process and administer specific assessments where clinical competency has been demonstrated, under the direction of the LBA;
not analyze or interpret evaluation data;
immediately contact the supervising LBA or SCABA if any treatment intervention that appears harmful to the client;
ensure that all client documentation completed by the RLT becomes a part of the permanent record;
if they are not currently providing behavior analysis services, proper documentation must be maintained; and
inform the board of the termination in a supervisory relationship within 10 calendar days.

AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 37:3706-R.S. 37:3708.

HISTORICAL NOTE: Promulgated by the Department of Health, Behavior Analyst Board, LR 42:1518 (September 2016).