When should an RBT report procedural variations in assessments?

Reporting procedural variations in assessments immediately to the BCBA supervisor is essential for several reasons. First, timely communication helps ensure that any deviations from established protocols can be addressed promptly, allowing for adjustments in treatment planning or methodology as needed. This immediate feedback loop is critical in maintaining the integrity of the assessment process and ensures that the data collected remains reliable and valid.

Moreover, immediate reporting allows the supervising BCBA to provide guidance on how to handle the variation, whether that means correcting it in real-time or adjusting future assessments to mitigate any impact caused by procedural deviations. This practice also supports the collaborative relationship between the RBT and the BCBA, reinforcing the importance of maintaining open lines of communication in a clinical setting.