- Set up the business, licensure and insurance early.
- Payer credentialing can take months.
- Write clinical, supervision and privacy policies before hiring.
- Choose tools for scheduling, billing, data and caregiver training.
What are the main steps?
- Plan the service model. In-home, clinic, school consultation or a mix; ages and needs you'll serve.
- Form the business. Entity, tax ID, business banking, professional liability insurance.
- Licensure. Check your state's behavior analyst licensure rules.
- Credential with payers. Commercial insurers, Medicaid and others, each with its own process.
- Write policies. Clinical standards, supervision, privacy and security, incidents, and caregiver involvement.
- Choose tools. Practice management and billing, data collection, and caregiver training.
- Hire and train. RBT recruiting, the 40-hour training, and a supervision plan.
How do billing codes fit in?
Most U.S. insurers use the adaptive behavior CPT codes. A new code set takes effect January 1, 2027.2 See What are the ABA CPT codes?
How do I build quality in from day one?
- A supervision system with clear expectations and regular observation
- Caregiver training built into every plan
- Assent-based practices and individualized goals
- An ethics culture where staff can raise concerns3
What can I do this month?
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