An incident report documents an unusual or significant event during a session, such as an injury, a safety concern, or a major behavior escalation. It’s separate from routine session notes and typically has its own form.
Example
A client has a minor fall during a session. Even without injury, this generally warrants an incident report describing what happened, what was done, and who was notified.
Key points
- When to file: injuries, safety incidents, property damage, or any event outside the normal session should be reported.
- Stick to facts: incident reports describe what was observed and done, not assumptions about cause.
- Report promptly: most workplaces require same-day reporting, since accurate memory fades quickly.
- Notify your supervisor: incident reports typically go to the BCBA and sometimes the client’s family, per employer policy.
Common mistake
Only reporting incidents that seem ‘serious enough.’ Employer policy usually defines what must be reported, and it’s often broader than RBTs expect.
Quick check
A client bites their own hand during a tantrum but isn’t injured. Should this be reported? Generally yes, since self-injurious behavior is typically reportable even without visible injury.
Keep studying
Session notes for RBTs · Mandated reporting for RBTs · RBT glossary
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