BT vs RBT: what a behavior technician needs in Michigan

Yes, per the sources below.

As of 2026-10-21, per the Michigan Medicaid Provider Manual (the October 2026 version could not be accessed by the checker) and MDHHS Numbered Letter L-24-78, a Behavior Technician may furnish behavioral intervention under supervision without any license or certification ("License or certification is not required"). The technician receives BACB Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) training but need not register with the BACB; MSHN's March 2026 procedure likewise permits furnishing services after training without BACB registration, and no deadline for later RBT registration appears there. Per the October 2026 MDHHS bulletin (MMP-26-18), supervision language refers to an LBA or LABA. Technicians do not perform assessment; the assessment list in the October 2026 bulletin also includes appropriately qualified psychologists working with an LBA, so any exclusive BCBA/BCaBA/QBHP assessment list is outdated. Billing/payment rules for individual technicians were not verified.

• Must be at least 18 years of age (corroborated by MSHN; attribution to the October 2026 manual unverified)
• Able to practice universal precautions and communicate expressively and receptively to follow plan and emergency procedures (corroborated by MSHN and historical statewide policy; attribution to the October 2026 manual unverified)
• Must be in good standing with the law - not a fugitive from justice, a convicted felon under whose jurisdiction OR whose felony relates to the duties, or an illegal alien (older policy text uses these alternatives; current wording unverified)
• Must be able to perform and be certified in basic first aid, and be trained in the IPOS/behavioral plan of care using person-centered planning (corroborated by historical/MSHN policy; attribution to the October 2026 manual unverified)
• BACB Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) training (historical statewide policy MSA 15-59 and MSHN; sources do not establish separate BACB approval of each training provider)

As of 2026-10-21, per MDHHS bulletin MMP 26-18 (issued October 1, 2026), BHT services must be provided under the direction of a Licensed Behavior Analyst (LBA). The bulletin's provider list covers: certified/licensed behavior analysts; certified/licensed assistant analysts working under LBA supervision; qualified licensed psychologists (LP/LLP); and Behavior Technician (BT)/RBT staff supervised by an LBA or LABA. The psychologist pathway requires specified ABA experience/coursework, and assessments by psychologists require collaboration with an LBA. The bulletin's provider list does not include QBHP; the earlier QBHP transition (must be licensed as a BCBA and LBA by September 30, 2025) has expired and should not be treated as an ongoing alternative credential. BCBA certification, LARA licensure and a master's degree with a BACB-approved course sequence are corroborated by official guidance and Mid-State Health Network (MSHN) policy. Eligibility: BHT coverage is for children under 21 with an ASD diagnosis, but age and diagnosis alone are not sufficient; prior authorization and other criteria apply. Historical statewide policy limits authorizations to no more than 365 days; this was not confirmed in the current manual. MMP 26-18 states 'Effective: As Indicated'; no separate blanket effective date is stated here.

We could not verify this yet - check with Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS); Prepaid Inpatient Health Plans (PIHPs) authorize services.

MMP 26-18 lists BT/RBT staff supervised by an LBA or LABA. The earlier claim that RBT registration with the BACB is not required ('A license or certification is not required') came from the Medicaid Provider Manual, whose current October 1, 2026 version and exact wording could not be verified. Confirm the current technician credential requirement with the PIHP or MDHHS before relying on it.