1.01 RBTs are honest and work to support an environment that promotes truthful behavior in others. They do not lead others to engage in fraudulent, illegal, or unethical behavior. They follow the law and the requirements of their professional community (e.g., BACB, employer, supervisor).
Examples
Tom continues to lie to his client's parents about the current progress they are making. Is this ethical?
Tim observes a fellow RBT struggling to explain a concept to a parent. Time goes over and supports RBT in learning and then explaining the concept to the parent. Is this Ethical?
1.02 RBTs conduct themselves in a professional manner, are accountable for their actions, and make an effort to follow through on work and contractual commitments. When commitments cannot be met, RBTs work with their supervisors to address the situation in the best interest of clients.
Examples:
Megan cannot make an appointment and knows that there are possibly others to cover. Instead, she just cancels and doesn't attempt to provide any make-up or coverage. Is this ethical?
An RBT begins working at a clinic and forgets to file away their client's notes for the day, and they accidentally get thrown out by the office admin. The RBT says nothing when the BCBA is looking for the notes. Is this ethical?
1.03 RBTs only provide services under their RBT certification within a clearly defined role under close, ongoing supervision.
Examples:
Sara who has been an RBT for 10 years begins babysitting a child when she moves. While babysitting, she notices that the child needs support in areas and informs the father of her background. They agree on letting Sara use behavior modification strategies while babysitting. Is this ethical?
When May came into the school district, her supervising teacher found out she used to be an RBT and asks her to begin working with some of the students who have special needs. She informs her teacher that in order to support these students effectively with behavior modification, she needs to be supervised by a BCBA. Is this Ethical?
1.04 RBTs are never employers of their supervisor. RBTs who are also trainees (i.e., accruing supervised fieldwork toward a future BCBA or BCaBA certification application) may separately contract for those supervision services.
Examples:
Max is currently working with a BCBA accruing her hours for her BCBA certification. The BCBA does not work for the same company as Max, but has agreed to work with her. Is this Ethical?
Simon is attempting to get a head start on his hours for his BCBA certification. He posts a job position on Indeed to find a supervisor to come work for him. Is this Ethical?
1.05 RBTs do not knowingly make false, misleading, or exaggerated statements about their qualifications or behavior technician services. They provide a current and accurate set of relevant credentials to employers and supervisors upon request.
Examples:
While meeting a new client, Jay described himself as someone who has worked in the field as an RBT and professionally for over 6 years. Jay only received his RBT certification last week. Is this Ethical?
While working with a case that contained high levels of aggression including punching, smacking, biting, kicking, and stabbing with items. Elise stated she had plenty of experience working with aggression from her last case. Her last case had aggression levels at light smacking level only. Is what she said Ethical?
1.06 RBTs provide behavior-technician services only after their supervisor confirms that they have demonstrated competence. They work with their supervisor to continually evaluate their competence. If an RBT identifies that they are being asked to do something that goes beyond the scope of their certification and/or competence, they immediately inform their supervisor or other appropriate individuals at their place of employment and document this communication.
Examples:
Niamh jumps in and starts seeing her first in-home client before getting the go-ahead from their supervisor even though they finished training with them. Their supervisor had yet to inform Niamh that they were ready to begin seeing clients. Is this Ethical?
While beginning to work with a new client, Cora found out that she has zero experience working with this age population and does not know where to begin. She goes and informs her supervisor about the situation and asks for more training. Is this Ethical?
1.07 RBTs work directly with their supervisor to ensure that they are culturally responsive in their work. They actively work to evaluate their own biases and ability to work with individuals with diverse needs/backgrounds (e.g., age, disability, ethnicity, gender expression/identity, immigration status, marital/relationship status, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status) and obtain any needed training in these areas under the direction of their supervisor.
Examples:
While Kimberley was approaching the door of her new client's house, she noticed a national flag of a country she did not recognize. Upon entering the home the family asked her to remove her shoes which she refused to do. Upon the end of her session, she looked up that this was considered a symbol of disrespect. Going forward, though, she decided to maintain this as that is what she does for all other families. Is this Ethical?
Esther began working with a 16-year-old client who had specific pronouns they wanted to go by. After making several mistakes and correcting herself, she was finally able to use the correct pronouns by the end of the session and apologized to her client for having a tough time using the correct ones. Is this Ethical?
1.08 RBTs do not harass or discriminate against others (e.g., clients, coworkers). They behave toward others in an equitable and inclusive manner regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender expression/identity, immigration status, marital/relationship status, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, or any other basis proscribed by law.
Examples:
When Gemma began working at the new clinic, she noticed that one of the staff members had a hard time speaking English. Gemma assumed that this worker was either learning or admin, so she came in and asked this worker to sort her paperwork for her. This worker ended up being her Supervisor. Is what Gemma did Ethical?
Demi continued to give RBTs under her the cases they requested except for Iqra who only ever received cases when everyone else got there. Iqra was usually the first to submit her requests. When the upper management of the clinic did an investigation, they discovered the reasoning behind Demi's actions was due to Iqra's status of identifying as being part of the LGBTQIA2S+ community. Is this Ethical?
1.09 RBTs are aware that their personal biases or challenges (e.g., mental or physical health conditions; legal, financial, marital/relationship challenges) may impact their ability to effectively carry out their behavior-technician services. If their biases or challenges may impact services, they take steps to resolve the issue (e.g., developing an action/care plan, reporting to their supervisor, refraining from working with clients until the issue is resolved, reporting to the BACB) and document these actions.
Examples:
Dorothy recently lost her mother to cancer this week. She has had a hard time being able to think of anything else and this has occurred in all aspects of her life including the clients she sees. Even though this is going on, she continues to attempt to work with her clients. Is this Ethical?
Ray was struggling with his depression this week and decided to cancel the remainder of the sessions he had the following day, which was Friday. He let his supervisor know and informed all clients based on the company's cancelation policy. Is what Ray did Ethical?
1.10 RBTs avoid multiple relationships with clients, coworkers, and supervisors. Multiple relationships occur when there is a mixing of two or more relationships (e.g., friend, family member, employee/employer) that may result in conflicts of interest and risk of harm to the client. If RBTs find that a multiple relationships has developed, they immediately inform their supervisor, work to resolve it, and document these actions. If the multiple relationships involves their supervisor, RBTs should report it to their supervisor’s manager or other appropriate entity (e.g., human resources, BACB) and document this communication.
Examples:
When meeting her new client, Marie found out it was an old coworker's child she was going to be working with. Given their history, Marie stayed on, thinking that they would only improve upon the case. Is this Ethical?
When coming into the clinic, Aidan found out that his best friend was going to be his supervisor for his accrual of hours. When Aidan met with his advisor, they discussed how they would be able to meet regularly due to them already spending so much time together outside of work. Is this Ethical?
1.11 Because the exchange of gifts can lead to conflicts of interest and multiple relationships, RBTs do not give gifts to or accept gifts from clients, stakeholders, or supervisors with a monetary value of more than $10 US dollars (or the equivalent purchasing power in another currency). A gift is acceptable if it functions as an occasional expression of gratitude and does not result in financial benefit to the recipient. Instances of giving or accepting ongoing or cumulative gifts may rise to the level of a violation of this standard if the gifts become a regularly expected source of income or value to the recipient. If an employer has a stricter policy regarding gift exchange (e.g., prohibiting gift exchange), RBTs follow that policy.
Examples:
When coming into her new family's home, it is a part of her family's customs to serve small amounts of food and tea to all guests. Because this did not affect Isabelle in any monetary way, she did not mention anything to the family about this even though it occurred every session. Is this Ethical?
Every time Gloria met with their supervisor it was always over lunch and their supervisor always covered whatever they ordered including beverages. They met on a weekly basis, and it got to the point where Gloria didn't eat lunch due to knowing they had their meeting that day. Their supervisor's favorite restaurant to go to meet at was a local steak house. Is this Ethical?
1.12 RBTs do not engage in romantic or sexual relationships with current clients, stakeholders, or supervisors. They do not engage in romantic or sexual relationships with former clients or stakeholders for a minimum of two years from the date the professional relationship ended. They do not engage in romantic or sexual relationships with former supervisors until the parties can document that the professional relationship has ended (i.e., completion of all professional duties). They do not receive supervision from individuals with whom they have had a past romantic or sexual relationship until at least six months after the relationship has ended.
Examples:
Robin began working at a new clinic she was very excited to be at. When her supervisor came in for the first time, she was shocked to see that it was her ex-significant other. After catching up, her supervisor said that this should not be a problem as she was capable of handling past the two shared. Is this Ethical?
After being out of the field for several years, Rachael began dating one of her former client's parents after being introduced by a mutual friend. Is this Ethical?
2.01 RBTs do no harm and work to support the best interest of their clients. They are knowledgeable about and comply with mandated-reporting requirements.
Examples:
After several weeks of not seeing one of their clients, Casey noticed that their client had several bruises located all over their body, including some cuts along their upper legs. When bringing this up with the mother, she dismissed it and refused to address or talk about it and only wanted to talk about therapy progression. When going back to their client, Casey asked about their mom, to which Casey saw their client wince any time they were brought up. After leaving, Casey decided to keep this to themselves and just watch if anything else happens. Is this Ethical?
When working with a new clinic, Tassa saw that one of the RBTs continued to use hold and other restraint procedures in the wrong and possibly dangerous way. Even after bringing this up to the clinic director's attention. Nothing was done. Tassa soon left and found a practice that did not allow this. Is what Tassa did Ethical? Is what the clinic director did Ethical?
2.02 RBTs follow the direction of their supervisors, accurately implement behavior-technician services, and accurately complete all required documentation (e.g., client data, billing records).
Examples:
While reviewing case notes after being on maternity leave, Paula saw that one of their RBTs had not completed any case notes for any of their sessions. When asking them about it, the RBT stated they did not like the company's program and opted to write their notes in their own notebook. This is against companies policy and there is no known security protecting these notes. Is this Ethical?
When working with their supervisor, Alesha realized that she had not been doing a certain program based on how their supervisor wanted it done. She brought this up in their next meeting and corrected her mistake. Is this Ethical?
2.03 RBTs conduct themselves in a professional manner during all work activities (e.g., delivering services, receiving training, or supervision). They take action to improve their performance following feedback from supervisors.
Examples:
Even though Tina continued to receive feedback on her being late to every session, nothing changed. Is this Ethical?
When Agnes was working with a client, she continued to receive calls in the middle of sessions that she took every time. When addressed by her supervisors, she explained it was about her ongoing treatments for cancer she has. Through feedback, when these calls continued to come up Agnes stepped outside to take these calls and asked someone to work with her client instead. Is this Ethical?
2.04 RBTs do not use unfamiliar interventions or provide services to unfamiliar client populations unless they have received proper training.
Examples:
Stacey had never worked with an adult client who needed significant support in the home. Even though it was her first client at the new company, she did her best to work with the client anyway. Is this Ethical?
Salma never once worked with the Happy Medium Approach before but took the time to learn everything she needed to before implementing it with her new client even though there were targets that should have been run on these concepts with that client. Is this Ethical?
2.05 RBTs implement restrictive or punishment-based procedures only when included in a documented behavior-change plan and after their supervisor has verified their competence.
Examples:
When working with a new client, Laura began noticing non-preferred behaviors around attention-seeking come up in sessions. Laura decided to implement a punishment procedure with this client because she had used it with a previous client who showed the exact same behaviors, and it was effective for them. Is this Ethical?
Upon transitioning from a community group home for adults with disabilities, Harris had a hard time not jumping into restraint procedures for behaviors, as this was the main route for behaviors at the home he worked at. Harris did his best to adapt to the new environment, but needed to be removed from cases that had high-level behaviors. Is this Ethical?
2.06 RBTs direct any questions or concerns that they or others (e.g., caregivers, coworkers) have about their behavior technician services to their supervisor.
Examples:
When working with her family, Mae discovered that the family was unhappy with how often she was engaging with the client's siblings. Instead of letting Mae's supervisor know, she took it upon herself to talk with the family and deal with it. Through the next several sessions, their complaints did not improve. Is what Mae did Ethical?
Cassie continues to have the same problems with her fellow RBT she is working a case on. After several attempts to resolve their problems, she let the fellow RBT know that she was going to bring in their supervising BCBA to help sort out what is going on. Is this Ethical?
2.07 RBTs take necessary actions to protect clients when they become aware that a client’s legal rights are being violated or that there is a risk of harm to a client. In these instances, RBTs report the matter to their supervisor, follow organization policies, and document these actions. In some instances, RBTs may need to contact relevant authorities (e.g., law enforcement, BACB, licensure board).
Examples:
While working in a school, Ellia notices that her client's teacher is continuously not following the client's behavior plan. After a couple of attempts to bring this up with the teacher, she lets her own supervisor know, along with the principal of the school. Is this Ethical?
While working at a daycare, Holly sees her client working with a daycare worker and being what she believes is mistreated. When approaching the worker, she states what she saw, and the worker states she does this with everyone. Being new in the field and not wanting to step on toes, Holly does not report this to anyone, even though it continues to occur and get more frequent. Is this Ethical?
2.08 RBTs protect the confidentiality and privacy of their clients, stakeholders, and others in the workplace by following all related requirements established by the BACB, employers, and the law (e.g., privacy laws, licensure requirements). RBTs maintain confidentiality when interacting with client information and records.
Examples:
Sabrina is approached by the family's babysitter when working with a client. The babysitter requests to know everything going on with therapy, so she can better help the client herself. Sabrina declines and states that she cannot, as her parents specifically asked that information only be shared with the two of them and no one else. The babysitter gets visibly upset and continues to ask Sabrina to explain how things are done. Sabrina continues to say no and eventually goes and finds the parents to inform them of what's going on. Is this Ethical?
When working with a school team, Lilly accidentally lets some of the client's background information out during an IEP meeting. Lilly is informed that the school team already knew this information, but only half of it. Is this Ethical?
2.09 RBTs do not share identifying information (e.g., photos, videos, written information) about clients on social media or websites.
Examples:
When working on a case, Sana took her client out to a park as a reinforcer. While there, Sana took a picture of the mountains and posted them on her social media platforms. Later in the evening, Sana notices that in the picture is her client's body, but faced the other way. He is however wearing a shirt that has his full name on it, with a reference to his disability. Because his face is not seen, Sana keeps the photo up. Is this Ethical?
Martin shares a picture of his work desk on social media after cleaning it. Without realizing it, there is a folder with a client's name on it. Upon seeing this mistake, Martin immediately removes this photo and lets his supervisor know. Is this Ethical?
2.10 RBTs only discuss confidential client information under the direction of their supervisor unless allowed by law for a valid reason (e.g., protecting the client or others from harm). RBTs only share necessary client information in their job-related communications (e.g., emails, documentation).
Examples:
When working on setting up a time to meet with clients, Ron sends the client's full names, addresses, and insurance types in the email chain to make sure his supervisor knows who they will discuss. Is this ethical?
Jean is approached by some police officers that want to know some information about how one of his client's parents acts around the client. The officers inform him that it is about a reported abuse incident and want to gather more information. Jean compiles and lets them know what he has seen in the family home. Is this Ethical?
3.01 RBTs comply with all requirements of the BACB and their supervisor, including, but not limited to, supervision, documentation of supervision, and audits.
Examples:
Jan knows that she did not receive enough face-to-face supervision on the last day of the month. She reaches out to her supervisor to ask to meet that day. Is this ethical?
Dean, the RBT, did not notify his supervisor when a client moved houses and began living with a different caregiver. Is this ethical?
3.02 RBTs are honest and accurate in all communications with the BACB and their supervisor. If an RBT becomes aware that they submitted inaccurate or false information or documents to the BACB, they immediately contact the BACB to correct the issue. If an RBT becomes aware that they submitted inaccurate or false information or documents to their supervisor or employer, they immediately contact those parties to correct the issue and determine the need to self-report the situation to the BACB.
Examples:
Ray became aware that she submitted last year's RBT competency document for her renewal. Would it be ethical to notify the BACB or to hope they do not notice?
Jason realized he sent off the wrong hours log to the BACB instead of his updated one. He does not bother to inform anyone of the mistake and hopes they'll send it back. Is this Ethical?
3.03 RBTs do not cheat or help others cheat on RBT competency assessments or RBT examinations. RBTs follow the rules and requirements of the BACB and its approved testing centers, including, but not limited to, those related to falsifying information and the unauthorized collection, use, or distribution of examination materials.
Examples:
After Ashley took the RBT exam, she went to her car and wrote down as many questions and answers as she could remember. She gave this list of questions to her coworker, who would be taking the same exam one week later. Is this ethical?
Harry wrote down the terms of discontinuous measurement on his hand before the competency assessment. Is this ethical?
3.04 RBTs are aware of the events they need to self-report to the BACB and any other required entities (e.g., employer, supervisor). They self-report to the BACB within 30 days of the event or within 30 days of becoming aware of the event. RBTs are required to self-report to the BACB any event that might impact their ability to effectively carry out their behavior technician services or comply with BACB requirements, including:
legal charges and subsequent related actions;
investigations by employers, governmental agencies, educational institutions, or third-party payers naming the RBT;
disciplinary actions by employers (including suspensions and terminations for cause), governmental agencies, educational institutions, and third-party payers;
physical conditions, mental conditions, or substance abuse that may impair the RBT’s ability to safely provide behavior-technician services.
Examples:
Gen breaks her leg and is unable to walk. She does not see her supervisor until the next session and thinks one session without notifying her supervisor will be ok. Is this ethical?
Jack has recently been summoned to appear in court over a disputed DUI he states he falsely received. He informs his supervisor and the board of these events. Is this Ethical?
3.05 RBTs do not misuse the intellectual property of the BACB (e.g., certification titles, examination content) or others (e.g., an employer’s proprietary materials).
Examples:
Prior to passing the RBT exam, Susan refers to herself as an RBT on social media and to her coworkers. Is this ethical?
While studying for the RBT exam, Saul receives his coworker's notes from his own studying. While going through it, Saul notices that this is actually information from an actual exam that his coworker must have copied. But because Saul is in a crunch, he uses the information and just gives the packet back to his coworker as soon as he can. Is this Ethical?
3.06 RBTs named in a Notice of Alleged Violation or who receive a required action from the BACB (e.g., RBT Supervision Audit, Educational Memorandum, Notice of RBT Required Action, Disciplinary or Appeal Determination, Notice of Summary Suspension or Revocation) immediately share the document with their supervisor and work collaboratively to respond to any correspondence and comply with all BACB requirements.
Examples:
Paul was worried he would be fired from his company and did not share his Notice of Alleged Violation with his supervisor and instead called a friend who was a BCBA to assist him. Is this ethical?
Alea just received a notice of RBT action required from the BACB but does not follow the steps because she thinks it can wait. Is this ethical?
3.07 RBTs regularly (e.g., monthly) check their BACB account to ensure their personal information (e.g., name, email address, mailing address) is accurate. Within 24 hours of becoming aware of a change to their certification status (e.g., inactive, expired, suspended, revoked), RBTs report the change to their supervisor and subsequently comply with applicable BACB requirements related to practice, billing, and use of the RBT title.
Examples:
Nate recently reviewed his account and noticed his RBT credential was expired. Instead of notifying his supervisor, he tried to address it with the help of another staff member. Is this ethical?
June recently switched companies and did not change her BACB email to a personal one. Her BACB account is linked to her old company email. Is this ethical?
This training program is based on the RBT Task List (2nd ed.) and is designed to meet the 40-hour training requirements for RBT Certification. The program is offered independently of the BACB.