What are the most commonly overlooked risks in applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy practices? It’s a question more ABA business owners should ask — especially those who believe their current operations are “safe enough.” From documentation habits to supervision gaps, seemingly minor issues can snowball into major liabilities. The truth is, confidence can be costly without the right protective strategies in place. That’s why having the right ABA insurance is essential.
Olson Duncan Insurance helps ABA therapy providers identify and manage these under-the-radar threats before they become claim-worthy events. Because in this field, risk — not just coverage — matters most.
What Risks Are Hiding in Plain Sight?
Even practices that feel buttoned up can overlook small cracks — and those cracks can widen quickly if left unaddressed.
Informal or Inconsistent Documentation
In the rush of day-to-day care, detailed notes often fall by the wayside. But when disputes arise — whether involving clients, insurers, or licensing boards — vague records can leave your practice defenseless. Documentation isn’t just an administrative task; it’s a legal safeguard.
Infrequent Supervision of Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs)
The Behavior Analyst Certification Board requires direct oversight of RBTs, yet many practices rely on infrequent or informal check-ins. That’s a serious oversight. Without regular supervision, clinical quality suffers, and liability risks increase — especially if care deviates from prescribed treatment plans.
When “Business as Usual” Becomes a Liability
What once felt like routine operations can quietly evolve into serious exposures if your protections don’t evolve alongside them.
Outdated Insurance Policies
As your practice grows — adding staff, expanding into new states, or offering different services — your exposures shift. But many providers fail to update their insurance accordingly. That gap creates blind spots in coverage, particularly for professional liability and abuse and molestation claims.
Vague Incident Reporting Protocols
When incidents occur in a client’s home — an injury, a behavioral escalation, or even a parent complaint — response protocols must be crystal clear. Too often, reporting procedures vary by team or go undocumented entirely. These ambiguities not only increase your legal vulnerability but also complicate internal investigations and compliance audits.
How To Turn Awareness Into Protection
Recognizing the risks is only the first step — taking action to mitigate them is where real protection begins.
Train With Intention
Every team member should be trained in documentation standards, escalation procedures, and supervision requirements. For consistency across staff, consider periodic refreshers — not just onboarding.
Review Insurance Annually
Don’t wait for a claim to discover your coverage is lacking. Schedule a yearly policy review that accounts for your practice’s current size, scope, and state footprint. Our guide on credentialing and insurance for ABA providers offers practical steps to keep your risk posture strong.
Build a Custom Coverage Portfolio
At a minimum, ABA businesses should carry:
- Professional liability insurance for errors in treatment or therapy delivery
- Workers’ compensation to protect staff injured on the job, especially in homebased settings
- Abuse and molestation coverage to address the unique vulnerability of working with minors in private environments.
Don’t Wait for a Crisis To Take Action
The most dangerous risks are often the ones you don’t see coming. In ABA therapy, those risks may be hiding in overlooked paperwork, stale policies, or untrained staff. Olson Duncan Insurance specializes in uncovering those blind spots and closing the gaps — before they turn into claims, fines, or reputational damage.
Ready to see what your current insurance may be missing? Contact us to schedule a risk audit or policy review tailored to your ABA practice’s needs.
About Olson Duncan Insurance
Established in 1945, Olson Duncan Insurance has more than 70 years of experience serving the insurance and risk management needs of California residents and businesses. During our seven decades, we’ve earned the trust of our clients and the outstanding reputation of professional integrity by consistently offering individuals and businesses quality insurance products at fair, competitive prices, backed by exceptionally responsive service.