Beyond the Treatment Room: Expanding the Role of Behavior Analysts in U.S. Pediatric Hospitals

Board-certified behavior analysts® (BCBA®) are increasingly employed within U.S. pediatric hospital settings. The unique skillset of a BCBA can support critical aspects of a hospital’s mission and values, including patient care, staff training, and organizational efficiency. However, their effective integration depends on organizational contingencies, not only clinical competence. Hospital systems contain interlocking clinical, operational, financial, and regulatory systems. These systems often operate under competing contingencies. The purpose of this opinion paper is to help behavior analysts already working or hoping to work within U.S. pediatric hospitals understand the complex interplay of aspects of the healthcare system. We will review common healthcare leadership roles and demonstrate how they may interact together and with a BCBA. Finally, we offer advice on how to effectively support healthcare teams and patients with the science of behavior analysis.