RBT Ethics Code (2.0) Overview and Responsibilities

Introduction to the RBT Ethics Code

January 1, 2022, saw the official launch of the RBT Ethics Code (2.0), the successor to the previous version that had been in existence since 2018.
Its purpose is to safeguard ABA service recipients while also meeting the certification requirements of the field.
All RBT activities, regardless of site or modality, are required to adhere to the code’s stringent ethical criteria.
Unless it endangers customers or stakeholders, RBTS’s personal conduct is often not addressed.
No room for ignorance or misunderstanding when it comes to RBTS’ adherence to the code and applicable legislation.

Real behaviour therapy (RBT) is about helping people and treating them with kindness, respect, and decency.
An important value is integrity; RBTS are expected to conduct themselves in an honest and ethical manner in all professional dealings.
Responsible behaviour analysts (RBTS) must check their own competence and, if necessary, seek supervision.
In order to fully grasp their roles and duties, RBTS must be well-versed in the Behaviour Analysts’ Code of Ethics.

Role of the BACB in Enforcement

To safeguard stakeholders, clients, and the ABA profession as a whole, the BACB strictly enforces the RBT Ethics Code.
Complaints are processed according to the BACB’s Code-Enforcement Procedures, ensuring a structured approach to addressing violations.
It is the responsibility of RBT Supervisors and Requirements Coordinators to ensure that RBTS understand and abide by the code.

It is the responsibility of RBTS to notify the BACB of any possible ethical infractions committed by other BACB certificants.
Get in touch with your supervisor as soon as possible to try to fix any difficulties, and be sure to record all you do.
As a last resort, RBTS are required to notify higher-ups, such as the BACB, if the matter remains unresolved.

General Responsibilities of RBTS

RBTS should avoid deceitful or immoral activities and encourage others to do the same.
RBTS must perform professionally at all times; they must take responsibility for their actions and keep their word.
To provide clarity in duties and responsibilities, services must be offered under tight supervision and with RBT certification.

RBTS must keep their distance from their bosses and not act as their employers.
Accumulating fieldwork hours for BCBA or BCaBA certification does not preclude trainee RBTS from contracting separately for supervision services.
Effectively navigating ethical challenges requires ongoing help from supervisors, which RBTS must have.

Introduction to RBTS and Supervision

There is a distinct chain of command in behaviour analysis, as RBTS (Registered Behaviour Technicians) are not considered to be the employers of their supervisors.
Separate supervision contracts are an option for trainee RBTS, who may juggle two responsibilities at once in their career growth.
Since RBTS are required to prove their competence before offering services, oversight is crucial.
Supervisors and RBTS work together in a joint effort to continuously evaluate competency.
RBTS have an urgent responsibility to inform their supervisors of any concerns they may have about their competence or scope of practice.
This framework encourages conduct in behaviour analysis that is both accountable and ethical.

RBTS have a responsibility to their customers and supervisors to be forthright and honest while discussing their credentials and services.
In order to operate well with various groups, they must be culturally attentive, constantly assessing their own prejudices and seeking training.
Regardless of a person’s origin, RBTS must treat them fairly and refrain from harassing or discriminating against them.
Personal difficulties that may hinder service delivery must be handled proactively, including formulating action plans and recording discussions with supervisors.
RBTS must avoid numerous ties that might lead to conflicts of interest, reporting any such relationships to supervisors.
Gift exchanges are controlled to avoid conflicts of interest, with a stringent monetary limit on presents to preserve professional boundaries.

Client Welfare and Professional Conduct

RBTS are devoted to doing no damage and must prioritise the best interests of their customers, following mandatory reporting obligations.
Following supervisor directions is vital for RBTS, providing proper execution of behaviour-technician services and documentation.
Professional behaviour is required in all activities, with RBTS encouraged to seek criticism and improve performance.
RBTS must not deploy unusual interventions without sufficient training, guaranteeing client safety and good service delivery.
Restrictive or punishment-based measures may only be employed if contained in a documented behaviour-change plan and validated by a supervisor.
Questions or issues about services should be communicated to supervisors, encouraging open communication and responsibility.

RBTSS are responsible for maintaining client confidentiality and privacy, according to BACB principles and regulatory obligations.
Maintaining confidentiality entails cautious management of customer information and records, particularly in public or online contexts.
RBTS shall not disclose identifying information about clients on social media or websites, respecting client dignity and privacy.
In circumstances when a client’s legal rights are at jeopardy, RBTS must take fast action, reporting to superiors and implementing organisational procedures.
Documentation of activities made in response to legal or ethical issues is vital for accountability.
RBTS may need to call appropriate authorities if client safety is jeopardised, underscoring the significance of advocacy in their work.

Importance of Confidentiality

RBTS shall not disclose identifiable information about customers on social media or websites to safeguard client privacy and confidentiality.
Confidentiality is a basic ethical value in behaviour analysis, maintaining confidence between clients and practitioners.
Violations of confidentiality may lead to legal ramifications and loss of professional reputation.
RBTS are obliged to share private material only under the supervision of their approved supervisor, guaranteeing monitoring and responsibility.
The ethical need to preserve secrecy applies to all kinds of communication, including emails and paperwork.

RBTS may release sensitive information if legally obliged, such as in circumstances of safeguarding the client or others from danger.
Understanding the legal framework around confidentiality is vital for RBTS to manage possible ethical difficulties.
RBTS should be conversant with local laws and regulations that regulate confidentiality in their profession.
Ethical rules highlight the significance of limited disclosure, revealing only required information pertinent to job-related conversations.