Oregon's Registered Behavior Analysis Interventionist

Oregon is one of the few states with a state credential for the person delivering ABA sessions. The Health Licensing Office (HLO), working with the Behavior Analysis Regulatory Board, registers "behavior analysis interventionists" under ORS 676.815. The HLO describes the board as overseeing "the licensing of behavior analysts and assistant behavior analysts and the registration of behavior analysis interventionists."

Two features set Oregon apart. Its registration is built on its own training standard rather than on BACB RBT certification. And Oregon credentials renew every year, not every two.

What does the statute require?

ORS 676.815(1) directs the HLO to register interventionists who:

• have a high school diploma, modified diploma, an equivalency certificate such as the GED, or a post-secondary degree;
• are at least 18;
• have completed "a state and nationwide criminal records check that requires fingerprinting";
• have completed at least 40 hours of professional training in applied behavior analysis approved by rule; and
• receive ongoing training and supervision by a licensed behavior analyst, a licensed assistant behavior analyst, or another licensed health care professional.

"Licensed health care professional" has a specific meaning: someone whose scope includes ABA and who is licensed by one of eight Oregon boards, including occupational therapy, counseling, medicine, nursing, physical therapy, speech-language pathology, social work and psychology (ORS 676.802(2)).

Only a registered person may use the title "registered behavior analysis interventionist" (ORS 676.820). Oregon also lets health benefit plans set credentialing requirements for ABA delivered by registered interventionists (ORS 676.830), so payer contracts are worth reading alongside the statute.

What goes into the application?

The HLO's license information page and OAR 824-030-0040 list the pieces:

1. a completed application with a $75 application fee;
2. two forms of government identification, at least one with a photo, both in the current legal name;
3. proof of a high school diploma, GED or post-secondary degree;
4. a fingerprint-based nationwide criminal records check;
5. a $100 registration fee; and
6. documentation of 40 hours of professional training on the HLO's form, verified by a licensed behavior analyst or one of the licensed health care professionals in ORS 676.802(2), covering professional and ethical issues, foundational knowledge of behavior change principles, assessment, implementation of prescribed intervention plans, and data collection and documentation.

Fees are from OAR 824-020-0040 and the HLO's page as read in October 2026; confirm them with the HLO before paying.

Is there a provisional registration?

Yes, by statute. ORS 676.815(3) requires the HLO to issue a provisional registration to an applicant who meets the criteria, within five business days of receiving the completed application if the full registration has not been issued by then. The provisional registration ends when the full registration issues or the application is denied. "Completed" is the operative word: a missing fingerprint result or training form keeps the clock from starting.

How is an interventionist supervised?

OAR 824-040-0010 sets the rules. Before providing any independent service delivery, the interventionist signs an agreement with each supervisor on the HLO's form, gives a copy to the HLO and to the client's parent or guardian, and completes a competency assessment with a supervisor. After that:

• supervision is a mix of direct and indirect supervision for at least 5 percent of service hours;
• direct supervision happens at least once per calendar month in which services were provided;
• a supervisor evaluates the interventionist at least once a year after the initial assessment;
• the interventionist keeps a training and supervision log and keeps records for at least five years; and
• the interventionist notifies the HLO in writing within 10 business days of a change in supervision or of no longer being supervised.

When does an Oregon registration renew?

An Oregon authorization is valid for one year, and renewal is $100 for an interventionist under OAR 824-020-0040. Holders must pass a state criminal background check at renewal (OAR 824-050-0010). Renew before the authorization goes inactive to avoid the $50 late fee. An inactive authorization holder may not use the title; after three years inactive, the authorization expires and the person must apply again from the start.

Where does RBT certification fit?

Oregon's registration rule does not mention BACB certification. An RBT's 40-hour training may help document the Oregon training requirement, but it still has to be verified on the HLO's form by an eligible professional. Keep the BACB requirements going separately if the technician wants to stay an RBT: the BACB requires recertification every two years and supervision of at least 5 percent of service hours each calendar month.

Can we prepare Oregon registrations?

Our Behavior Technician Registration service is $149 per technician. We line up the training verification form, identification, fingerprints and supervision agreement so the application is complete on arrival, which is what starts the five-day provisional clock. The interventionist reviews and submits it. HLO and fingerprint fees are separate. Supervising analysts in Oregon need their own license; see Oregon's state page and Oregon behavior analyst licensing. For other states, read do RBTs need a state license or registration.