CBHT Scope of Practice 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A BHT notices a client is becoming increasingly agitated during a group session. What is the MOST appropriate first action?
- Immediately restrain the client to prevent harm
- Use verbal de-escalation techniques and notify the supervising clinician (Correct answer)
- Discharge the client from the session without documentation
- Administer a PRN medication to calm the client
Correct answer: Use verbal de-escalation techniques and notify the supervising clinician
BHTs use verbal de-escalation as the first intervention and escalate to supervising clinicians when needed.
Question 2: Which of the following tasks is OUTSIDE the scope of practice for a BHT?
- Collecting behavioral data
- Implementing behavior intervention plans
- Diagnosing a client with a mental health disorder (Correct answer)
- Assisting clients with daily living skills
Correct answer: Diagnosing a client with a mental health disorder
Diagnosis is reserved for licensed mental health professionals such as psychiatrists or licensed clinical social workers.
Question 3: When a BHT disagrees with a treatment plan created by the supervising clinician, the BEST course of action is to:
- Ignore the plan and implement their own approach
- Refuse to work with the client until the plan changes
- Share concerns professionally with the supervisor and continue implementing the plan (Correct answer)
- Discuss the disagreement with the client
Correct answer: Share concerns professionally with the supervisor and continue implementing the plan
BHTs should voice concerns through proper channels while continuing to follow the established plan.
Question 4: A client's family member asks a BHT for detailed information about the client's diagnosis and medications. The BHT should:
- Share all information to support family involvement
- Provide only general wellness tips and redirect to the care team
- Check for a signed release of information before sharing any details (Correct answer)
- Deny knowing anything about the client
Correct answer: Check for a signed release of information before sharing any details
Sharing client information requires a valid signed release of information to protect client confidentiality under HIPAA.
Question 5: A BHT is asked by a supervisor to perform a task they have not been trained to do. The correct response is to:
- Complete the task to avoid conflict
- Inform the supervisor they lack the training and ask for guidance (Correct answer)
- Document the request and do nothing
- Delegate the task to a co-worker
Correct answer: Inform the supervisor they lack the training and ask for guidance
BHTs must only perform tasks within their competency and training, and must communicate limitations to supervisors.
Question 6: Which best describes the BHT's role in a client's individualized treatment plan (ITP)?
- Create the ITP independently based on client needs
- Implement the ITP as directed by the treatment team (Correct answer)
- Approve or reject goals written by therapists
- Modify the ITP without supervisor knowledge if ineffective
Correct answer: Implement the ITP as directed by the treatment team
BHTs carry out the interventions outlined in the ITP under the supervision of licensed clinicians.
Question 7: A BHT observes a colleague physically restraining a client without following facility protocol. The BHT should:
- Ignore it to avoid conflict with a coworker
- Join in to help subdue the client
- Report the incident to a supervisor immediately (Correct answer)
- Ask the client later if they felt harmed
Correct answer: Report the incident to a supervisor immediately
BHTs are mandatory reporters of abuse and must report protocol violations to protect client safety.
