The short answer
Each calendar month, an RBT must receive supervision equal to at least 5% of the hours they spent providing behavior-analytic services, with at least two real-time contacts, at least one of them individual and at least one including observation of the RBT working with a client. Supervisors must be qualified and keep documentation.
The monthly requirements
- 5% minimum: supervision hours equal to at least 5% of the RBT's service hours that calendar month. Example: 120 service hours means at least 6 hours of supervision.
- At least 2 real-time supervision contacts per month, in person or by live video.
- At least 1 contact must be individual (one supervisor and one RBT).
- At least 1 contact must include observation of the RBT providing services to a client.
- Group supervision can count toward the 5%, but only with up to 10 RBTs, and it never counts as the individual contact.
Who can supervise
Supervision must be provided by a qualified BCBA, BCaBA (under BCBA supervision) or other qualified supervisor as defined by the BACB, with current certification and required supervisor training completed before supervising. Check the current BACB RBT Handbook, because requirements are updated periodically.
Documentation to keep
- Date, start and end time and format of each supervision contact.
- Whether it was individual or group, and whether it included observation.
- Topics covered, feedback given and competencies reviewed.
- Monthly totals of service hours and supervision hours.
- Supervisor credentials and training records.
Common mistakes
- Counting the 5% but missing the individual or observation contact.
- Calculating supervision from scheduled hours instead of hours actually delivered.
- Losing track mid-month and running out of time before the month ends.
- Group sessions with too many RBTs.
- Notes that don't show what was observed and what feedback was given.
Frequently asked questions
How many supervision hours does an RBT need per month?
At least 5% of the hours the RBT spent providing behavior-analytic services that month. For 100 service hours, that's at least 5 hours of supervision.
Can RBT supervision be done remotely?
Yes, contacts can be in person or by real-time video. Recorded video doesn't count as a real-time contact.
Does group supervision count for RBTs?
Group supervision can count toward the monthly total with up to 10 RBTs, but at least one contact each month must be individual.
Related resources
From JV Clinical Technologies, founded by Jaime Varney, PMHNP-BC. General professional education only, not legal, billing or clinical advice for a specific case. Check current payer, state and professional rules before relying on any requirement described here.