Part IV. Scope of Practice
18VAC85-150-110. Scope of practice.
The practice of a behavior analyst includes:
1. Design, implementation, and evaluation of environmental modifications using the principles and methods of behavior analysis to produce socially significant improvement in human behavior, including the use of direct observation, measurement, and functional analysis of the relationship between environment and behavior; and
2. Supervision of licensed assistant behavior analysts and unlicensed personnel.
Statutory Authority
§§ 54.1-2400 and 54.1-2957.16 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 30, Issue 16, eff. May 7, 2014.
18VAC85-150-120. Supervisory responsibilities.
A. The licensed behavior analyst is ultimately responsible and accountable for client care and outcomes under his clinical supervision.
B. There shall be a written supervisory agreement between the licensed behavior analyst and the licensed assistant behavior analyst that shall address:
1. The domains of competency within which services may be provided by the licensed assistant behavior analyst; and
2. The nature and frequency of the supervision of the practice of the licensed assistant behavior analyst by the licensed behavior analyst.
A copy of the written supervisory agreement shall be maintained by the licensed behavior analyst and the licensed assistant behavior analyst and made available to the board upon request.
C. Delegation shall only be made if, in the judgment of the licensed behavior analyst, the task or procedures can be properly and safely performed by an appropriately trained assistant behavior analyst or other person, and the delegation does not jeopardize the health or safety of the client.
D. Supervision activities by the licensed behavior analyst include:
1. Direct, real-time observation of the supervisee implementing behavior analytic assessment and intervention procedures with clients in natural environments and/or training others to implement them, with feedback from the supervisor.
2. One-to-one, real-time interactions between supervisor and supervisee 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.
3. Real-time interactions between a supervisor and a group of supervisees 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.
4. Informal interactions between supervisors and supervisees via telephone, electronic mail, and other written communication are encouraged but may not be considered formal supervision.
For the purposes of this subsection, "real-time" shall mean live and person-to-person.
E. The frequency and nature of supervision interactions are determined by the individualized assessment or treatment plans of the clients served by the licensed behavior analyst and the assistant behavior analyst but shall occur not less than once every four weeks with each supervision session lasting no less than one hour.
Statutory Authority
§§ 54.1-2400 and 54.1-2957.16 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 30, Issue 16, eff. May 7, 2014.
18VAC85-150-130. Supervision of unlicensed personnel.
A. Unlicensed personnel may be supervised by a licensed behavior analyst or a licensed assistant behavior analyst.
B. Unlicensed personnel may be utilized to perform:
1. Nonclient-related tasks, including but not limited to clerical and maintenance activities and the preparation of the work area and equipment; and
2. Certain routine client-related tasks that, in the opinion of and under the supervision of a licensed behavior analyst or a licensed assistant behavior analyst, have no potential to adversely impact the client or the client's treatment plan and do not constitute the practice of behavior analysis.
Statutory Authority
§§ 54.1-2400 and 54.1-2957.16 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 30, Issue 16, eff. May 7, 2014.