BHA General Orientation

What does it mean to be a certified BHA/P?

Individuals who are certified as a BHA/P:

• Have completed Board-specified training and work requirements.
• Have gained a breadth of knowledge and skills to support them in their job duties.
• Maintain their certification by completing Continuing Education credits.
• Provide a broad range of services under varying levels of clinical supervision, including General, Direct, and Indirect Supervision.

When a person becomes certified, it:

• Shows they have mastered knowledge and skills for providing certain services.
• Implies that services are provided ethically and according to the healthcare standards of care.
• Recognizes BHAs as an important provider of substance use and mental health services.

Can a BHA work without being certified?

A person may perform services of a certified BHA/P prior to being certified, as long as the services are performed:

• As part of training for certification
• As part of clinical practicum
• To satisfy work experience requirements
• After their application for certification has been submitted (pending certification)

The performance of services prior to being certified should be included in an individualized employee development plan.