RBT Code of Ethics: Professionals in the field of applied behaviour analysis (ABA) adhere to the highest standards of care and conduct by following the code of ethics established by the Registered Behaviour Technicians (RBTs). By reiterating the importance of honesty, openness, and the welfare of clients, the revised RBT Ethics Code 2.0 brings the code up to date.
All Registered Behaviour Technicians are required to adhere to this revised code of ethics, which highlights the significance of acting ethically in a variety of contexts. Following these ethical norms is required of RBTs in all settings, including schools, homes, and clinics, and helps to promote professionalism and confidence in the industry.
Respectful behaviour analysts (RBTs) help keep applied behaviour analysis honest and moving forward by sticking to these guidelines.
RBT Code of Ethics 2.0
There are three parts to the RBT Ethics Code 2.0, as you may be aware:
- Overall duties
- Functions performed by behaviour technicians
- Answers to the Behaviour Analyst Certification Board (BACB) and the boss that the BACB requires.
- On the BACB website, you may get the whole, detailed list of RBT ethics.
We won’t restate the BACB’s work; instead, we’ll go over the RBT Ethics Code’s main points and how they relate to RBT work.
Client safety and rights
As a qualified RBT, you are aware that your primary ethical responsibility is to ensure your clients’ safety and protect their rights. Any gains made by customers will be short-lived if their rights and safety are violated.
In Section 2 of the Ethics Code, you will find the specific safety standards. The following are listed:
- Restorative behaviour therapy (RBT) does no harm and promotes client well-being (Standard 2.01). The reporting criteria that are specified are understood and met by them.
- Rule 2.04: RBTs refrain from implementing interventions that they are not trained to conduct. Unfamiliar client demographics cannot be served by them. Prior training and experience are prerequisites.
- Standard 2.05: RBTs only execute restrictive or punishment-based procedures when they are included in a behavior-change plan and when their supervisor has established competence.
- The second part of the RBT code of ethics deals with rights as well. Specifically, these rights-related obligations are:
- As soon as a client becomes aware of a violation of their legal rights or a danger to their safety, RBTs are required by Standard 2.07 to take action to safeguard their clients. In accordance with company policy, they are required to notify their supervisor of the infraction and keep documentation. When necessary, RBTs should get in touch with the proper authorities, such the BACB or the police.
- Requirement 2.08: RBTs safeguard the privacy and confidentiality of their customers, stakeholders, and coworkers. They follow all requirements established by the BACB, employers, and the law. RBTs also maintain confidentiality when interacting with client information and records.
- Standard 2.09: RBTs do not share identifying information such as photos, videos, and written information about clients on social media or websites.
- Standard 2.10: RBTs only communicate sensitive client information on the direction of their supervisor unless it is for a justified cause such as receiving a request from law enforcement to safeguard a client. RBTs only reveal relevant customer information in emails and other paperwork.
Honesty and Integrity
The RBT Ethics Code is based on a set of fundamental principles, which you are aware of. Throughout the RBT code of ethics, honesty and integrity are emphasised as fundamental values. According to these moral guidelines, RBTs are required to:
- Encourage people to act honestly.
- Stay away from making deceptive assertions about their qualifications.
- Tell the BACB and their supervisor the truth at all times.
- Keep their word and accept responsibility for their acts to demonstrate professionalism.
It is anticipated that RBTs would prioritise their customers’ well-being and protect their rights and dignity. The code stresses the need of competent professionals, encouraging them to stay within their areas of expertise and to seek supervision as needed.
Confidentiality and privacy
Client privacy is a top priority, as stated in the RBT Code of Ethics. It is the responsibility of RBTs to safeguard confidential information and keep client conversations and interventions secret.
The RBT Ethics Code states:
In order to guarantee the privacy and security of their customers, stakeholders, and coworkers, RBTs must adhere to all regulations set forth by the BACB, their employers, and the law, including privacy statutes and licensing standards. When dealing with customer information and records, RBTs uphold confidentiality.
An atmosphere of safety for clients and their families is promoted by this dedication, which goes beyond the ABA setting.
Continuous improvement
Consistently improving one’s skills is a cornerstone of the RBT code of ethics. It is highly recommended that RBTs participate in events that help them improve their abilities and keep up with the latest developments in the profession.
As stated in the Code of Ethics:
“RBTs maintain an air of professionalism at all times, whether they are providing services, getting training, or being supervised. In response to criticism from superiors, they work to enhance their performance.
Because of their dedication to constant growth, RBTs are able to provide their customers the best service possible.
Cultural responsibility
RBTs engage with individuals who possess a wide array of life experiences and perspectives. When interacting with coworkers, it’s critical that they put themselves in their customers’ shoes to fully grasp cultural norms and personal experiences.
It is important to remember these three things in order to be culturally responsible:
- Cultural competency is the ability to understand and work within other cultures so that one may better assist customers in achieving their goals. Those RBTs who make an effort to be culturally competent understand other people’s ideas may vary from their own.
- Recognising and appreciating one’s own cultural background requires a degree of introspection. Seeking methods to lessen the power dynamic between client and physician is the goal of this introspection. It necessitates not being superior to another individual and instead showing respect for their heritage. Developing cultural humility is an ongoing endeavour.
- Cultural responsiveness: A person’s cultural background influences their daily habits, speech patterns, and reactions to new situations. When working with clients and their families, RBTs should be aware that cultural factors influence the acceptance of program aims, reinforcers, and interactions.
Common ethical issues for RBTs
RBTs often face a range of ethical dilemmas that need thoughtful analysis and skilful solutions. To provide the best treatment possible while maintaining the credibility of their profession, RBTs must have a solid grasp of these prevalent ethical concerns and how to apply the RBT code of ethics to them.
Questions of confidentiality
One of the most important aspects of the RBT code of ethics is the preservation of customer confidentiality. RBTs may find it challenging to protect their customers’ privacy while simultaneously sharing information with appropriate team members.
Registered Behaviour Technicians (RBTs) who have received ethics training are better able to strike this balance, keeping client confidence by disclosing information only to those who have a legitimate need to know.
Multiple relationships and boundaries
It is essential for RBTs to set clear limits in their work. Practitioners may face ethical dilemmas if they are involved in more than one relationship with a client, such as a personal relationship with a client’s family.
It is recommended that individuals refrain from having many relationships in order to uphold the RBT code of ethics. Making your ethical code known to customers and their families is a good place to start, even if it could be challenging at times. This may be a subtle approach to keeping client-provider connections going without pushing for more partnerships if done properly.
Cultural competence and diversity
Because their customers come from many walks of life and have unique cultural backgrounds, RBTs need to be sensitive to these subtleties.
When a client’s capacity to accept treatment is unintentionally impacted by cultural or personal prejudices, ethical difficulties may arise. It is imperative that you respond with empathy and cultural awareness in such a situation. To do this, keep in mind the steps we covered before.
By promoting cultural competency and encouraging RBTs to regularly educate themselves on various viewpoints, ethical training helps to guarantee inclusive and fair behaviours.
Supervision and professional development
The practice of RBTs is closely supervised by BCBAs or BCaBAs as they are entry-level practitioners. Problems with supervision or RBTs’ perception of their own inadequacy to deal with certain circumstances might give rise to ethical concerns.
Encourage a culture of lifelong learning and skill improvement by asking for help when you need it.
Need for robust ethics training