BOARD CERTIFIED BEHAVIOR ANALYST TITLE
The practice of certifying behavior analysts at two different levels grew out of the pioneering State of Florida behavior analyst certification program. The BACB followed this example when it began its certification program, using the term “Associate” to identify the lower-level certification. Over the years, we have found this term to be troublesome when dealing with individuals outside of the field of behavior analysis. For example, we have received feedback that consumers often have a hard time understanding the difference between the two levels of certification. We have even learned of instances where consumers erroneously concluded that the “Associate” must be the higher certification! This issue is also a road block to working with legislators and funding agencies, whose actions may affect large numbers of certificants. We have found that a significant amount of explanation is often necessary to educate these parties about the relationship between BCBA and BCABA certificants. We have also found some parties hesitant to include BCABA certificants in legislation or funding due to the lack of clarity about the role of the BCABA in service delivery. These problems appear to be on the rise as we continue to promote recognition of BACB certification nationally and internationally. We feel it is necessary to ensure that consumers, legislators and funding agencies all are able to easily comprehend the role that both BCBAs and BCABAs play in the lives of their clients. To that end, we are preparing to clarify these roles by ceasing the use of the confusing “Associate” term and replacing it with “Assistant.” This change will go into effect January 1, 2009. At that time, BCABAs will begin representing themselves as “Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analysts” or “BCaBAs.” Over the next year and a half, certificants will begin to see announcements about the new title on www.BACB.com, as well as renewal and recertification forms and exam application forms. We believe this will be a positive change that allows anyone interacting with a BCaBA to quickly understand the individual’s level of certification and role in service delivery. The BCABA member of the board of directors, Crystal Harms, provides her perspective on this change in the Discussion Articles section, later in this newsletter.
|
SUPERVISION OF BOARD CERTIFIED BEHAVIOR ANALYSTS
Another recurring theme related to BCABAs is the issue of supervision. The position of the BACB has been that BCABAs be supervised by BCBAs (see the “About BACB Certificants” section of www.BACB.com to view this statement). We often receive questions regarding whether supervision is required, either by the BACB or by other agencies, as well as questions regarding what the nature and frequency of supervision should be. It has been clear for some time that consumers, certificants, legislators, insurance carriers, and other parties are seeking more specific guidance on the issue of supervision.
In January 2006, the BACB conducted a survey of certificants which included some questions about supervision of BCABAs. Of the more than 1,700 respondents, 87% said they felt it is important for BCABAs to be supervised by BCBAs. Fifty-seven percent agreed it is important enough that BCABAs working in settings where supervision is not provided should be required to hire a BCBA to serve as their supervisor. When asked how much supervision should be required, 43% said monthly contacts would be acceptable and 29% said that weekly contact should be required. Lastly, 47% of the BCBAs responding indicated that they would be willing to be listed in an online registry of individuals willing to serve as supervisors.
Earlier this year, the BACB convened a task force to consider issues related to the supervision of BCABAs and make recommendations to the board of directors. The task force was comprised of eight certificants who are BCBAs, BCABAs, BCBAs who were previously BCABAs, individuals who train BCABAs and the board of directors’ consumer representative. Members were geographically diverse, representing Virginia, Florida, California, New York, the United Kingdom and Ireland. The task force chair, Dr. Johnston and the BACB CEO, Dr. Shook also served as non-voting members of the task force.
After careful consideration of the available information and task force recommendations, the BACB has decided to implement a requirement that all BCABAs practice under the supervision of a BCBA. This requirement will not take effect until January
|
