Section F: Professional Conduct & Scope of Practice – Overview
Section F covers ethical conduct, communication boundaries, and professionalism. RBTs must understand their scope of practice, how to respond to feedback, and how to protect client dignity. This section prepares you to act ethically, communicate effectively with clients and colleagues, and maintain clear professional boundaries.
This section will help you learn:
- What kind of supervision RBTs must receive and how often
- How to respond to feedback and maintain high performance
- How to communicate with stakeholders without breaching confidentiality
- Why dual relationships and social media contact must be avoided
- What it means to preserve dignity and act with professionalism
Use the collapsible sections below to review each Task List item. You can:
- Review quick definitions in the Glossary at the bottom
- Click “Additional Resources” for extra reading and examples
- Take the Practice Quiz to test your knowledge
Table of Contents
- F-01: RBT Supervision Requirements & Role
- F-02: Respond to Feedback
- F-03: Communicate with Stakeholders
- F-04: Maintain Professional Boundaries
- F-05: Maintain Client Dignity
- Glossary of Key Terms
F-01: Describe the BACB’s RBT Supervision Requirements and the Role of RBTs in the Service-Delivery System
RBTs must track their supervision hours and ensure they meet BACB requirements:
- Minimum of two real-time supervision sessions per month
- At least one session must involve the supervisor observing the RBT deliver services
- Supervision must cover at least 5% of the RBT’s total ABA service hours
RBTs implement plans created by BCBAs or BCaBAs but do not design interventions. They are part of a tiered service-delivery model under supervision.
F-02: Respond Appropriately to Feedback and Maintain or Improve Performance Accordingly
Feedback is vital for professional growth and quality client care. RBTs should:
- Listen actively and openly
- Ask for clarification if unsure
- Apply feedback to improve performance
Feedback may be corrective or supportive. Either way, it is a tool for learning.
F-03: Communicate with Stakeholders as Authorized
RBTs may only share information they are authorized to disclose. If a stakeholder requests a change in procedure, the RBT should refer them to the supervisor. Always communicate:
- Professionally and objectively
- In line with privacy laws and BACB expectations
- Without offering personal opinions or unapproved strategies
F-04: Maintain Professional Boundaries
Dual relationships and conflicts of interest can harm the therapeutic relationship. RBTs must:
- Avoid friendships, gifts, or social media contact with clients or their families
- Maintain professional interactions at all times
- Report any potential conflicts to their supervisor
F-05: Maintain Client Dignity
Respecting dignity involves treating each client with care and empathy. RBTs should:
- Obtain consent before intervention
- Use respectful, person-first language
- Only share information with those who are authorized
- Support clients’ emotional and physical well-being
Glossary of Key Terms
An RBT’s role is to implement ABA interventions and collect data under supervision. They do not design intervention plans.
At least two real-time contacts/month, one with observation. Must total 5% of intervention hours monthly.
Anyone invested in the client’s progress: family, teachers, caregivers, therapists, or agency staff.
Avoid professional and personal overlaps with clients, families, or supervisors. Includes gifts and social media contact.
Upholding self-esteem and autonomy. Involves respectful communication, protecting privacy, and honoring consent.