RBT Ethics

General Responsibilities

100

Following a client or their parent on social media, doing favors for client's or their parent, giving/accepting gifts from client's or their parent, are all examples of.....

Multiple Relationships

Code 1.10

200

RBTs do not engage in this type of relationship with clients, stakeholders, or their supervisors for a minimum of 2 years from the date the professional relationship ended.

Romantic & Sexual Relationships

Code 1.12

300

RBTs should work directly with their supervisor to be culturally responsive, evaluate their own biases and ability to work with diverse individuals, and obtain needed training.

Cultural Responsiveness

Code 1.07

400

RBTs are aware that their personal biases or challenges may impact their ability to effectively carry out their behavior-technician services.

Mental, physical health conditions, financial, marital/relationship challenges.

Code 1.09

500

RBT's cannot discriminate against, demean, or harrass individuals or groups on the basis of.....

Age, gender, race culture, ethnicity, national origin, religion, immigration status,sexual orientation, disability, language, socioeconomic status, or any other basis forbidden by law.

Code 1.08

Role of the RBT

100

What is an RBT's primary responsibility when providing services to clients? 

RBTs must do no harm and work to support the best interests of their clients.

Code: 2.01

200

True or false: An RBT can change a behavior plan if they believe their change will help the client.

FALSE. RBTs follow the direction of their supervisors and accurately implement behavior-technician services.

Code: 2.02

300

RBT's may not share this kind of information about clients on social media (photos, videos, written info).

Identifying information

Code 2.09

400

RBTs protect the _______ and ______ of their clients, stakeholders, and others in the workplace by following requirements by the BACB, employers, and laws.

Confidentiality AND Privacy

Code 2.08

500

RBTs implement restrictive and punishment-based procedures ONLY when...

...included in a documented BSP, and after supervisor has verified their competence. 

Code 2.05                                   

                           

                                           500                            

RBT's must collect and display data for this purpose.

                           

Decisions and recommendations to be made for program development.

RBT Ethics Code 3.07

                                   

Scenario-based

100

A parent gives an RBT a $20 thank-you gift after a session. The employer does not have a strict gift policy.

Question:
Is accepting the gift automatically prohibited by the RBT Ethics Code?

YES. RBTs do not give gifts or accept gifts from clients, stakeholders, or supervisors with a monetary value of over $10.

Code 1.11

200

An RBT's friend asks them to provide ABA services to the friend's child. The RBT would be both the child's friend and service provider. 

Question:
What ethical concern should the RBT consider?

A multiple relationship may develop. The RBT should inform their supervisor, work to resolve the situation, and document the actions taken. 

Code 1.10

300

During a session, an RBT notices that another staff member may be violating a client's legal rights. The RBT is concerned that the client could be harmed. 

Question:
What should the RBT do?

Take necessary action to protect the client, report the matter to their supervisor, follow organizational policies, and document the actions taken. Depending on the circumstances, relevant authorities may also need to be contacted.

Code: 2.07

400

An RBT takes a photo of a client during therapy because the client successfully completed a difficult task. The RBT wants to post the photo on Instagram to celebrate the accomplishment.

Question:
Is this permitted?

No. RBTs may not share identifying client information, including photos, on social media or websites.

Code 2.09

500

An RBT's supervisor asks the RBT to implement an intervention the RBT has never been trained to use. The RBT is uncomfortable because they don't believe they are competent with the procedure.

Section 1 & 2 

The RBT should not independently implement an unfamiliar intervention without proper training. They should communicate the concern to the supervisor and obtain appropriate training/competency verification before providing the service.

Codes 1.06 & 2.04

RBT True/False

100

RBTs can provide services independently as long as they have enough experience.

FALSE. RBTs provide services within a clearly defined role under close, ongoing supervision.

Code 1.03

200

An RBT may knowingly make exaggerated claims about their qualifications if it helps them get a job.

FALSE. RBTs must not knowingly make false, misleading, or exaggerated statements about their qualifications or services.

Code 1.05

300

RBTs should avoid discrimination and harassment and behave toward others in an equitable and inclusive manner.

TRUE. 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 

Code 1.08

400

An RBT can discuss confidential client information with anyone at work as long as that person also works for the same company.

FALSE. Confidential information should only be discussed under appropriate direction, and only necessary information should be shared in job-related communications, subject to applicable law.

Code 2.10

500

An RBT must report certain required events to the BACB within 30 days. (Ethics code section 3)

TRUE. A 30-day self-reporting requirement for specified events, including certain legal charges/actions, investigations, disciplinary actions, and conditions that may impair safe service delivery.

Code 3.04