RBT Revision Course: Ethics

RBTs must provide services only under ongoing supervision that meets BACB requirements. You are responsible for making sure supervision occurs and for reporting lapses through the appropriate chain of command.

Key supervision requirements include:

• Supervision is provided by a qualified BACB supervisor (for example a BCBA, or a BCaBA under appropriate oversight)
• Supervision covers at least 5% of the hours you provide behaviour-analytic services each month
• Supervision occurs at least once per calendar month
• At least one supervision contact per month involves direct observation of the RBT providing services
• Supervision activities are documented (dates, duration, content, and supervisor credentials)

Your role in the service-delivery system: RBTs implement plans created by supervising behaviour analysts, collect data accurately, and communicate observations promptly. RBTs do not design interventions, determine function, interpret data, or make independent clinical decisions.

Feedback is a core part of ethical and effective practice. RBTs are expected to use supervision and performance feedback to improve procedural fidelity and protect client welfare.

• Listen actively and remain professional
• Ask for clarification if any part of the feedback is unclear
• Practise the corrected procedure if requested (rehearsal)
• Apply feedback immediately and consistently in sessions
• Seek additional supervision if you do not feel competent with the procedure

If you believe a request would place you outside your scope of practice, or conflicts with written plans or ethical requirements, raise the concern with your supervisor promptly.

RBTs communicate professionally and within scope. You share only information you are authorised to disclose, and you follow the established chain of command.

• Communicate objectively about what occurred (what you observed and what was implemented)
• Do not provide clinical recommendations or promise outcomes
• If a stakeholder requests changes to procedures, refer them to the supervisor
• Protect confidentiality at all times (including in public spaces and online)
• Document and report relevant concerns to your supervisor promptly

RBTs avoid multiple relationships and conflicts of interest that could impair professional judgement or increase risk of harm. This includes overlapping professional, personal, social, or financial relationships with clients, caregivers, supervisors, or coworkers.

• Avoid friendships or social relationships with current clients and families
• Avoid social media contact with clients or stakeholders
• Do not enter romantic or sexual relationships with current clients, stakeholders, or supervisors (strictly prohibited)
• Disclose unavoidable multiple relationships to your supervisor and follow guidance
• Follow gift rules: do not give or accept gifts beyond nominal value (BACB: no more than $10 per instance and $50 total per year from the same source, and follow any more restrictive employer policy)

When in doubt, pause and consult your supervisor before acting.

Maintaining dignity means treating each person with compassion, respect, and care, while supporting autonomy and protecting privacy. Ethical practice is not only what you do, but how you do it.

• Use respectful, professional language in speech and documentation
• Protect privacy during sessions (including personal care, sensitive conversations, and data handling)
• Follow written procedures and least restrictive practices as specified
• Support choice and assent where applicable, and report concerns through supervision
• Do not use humiliation, threats, intimidation, or coercion

If a procedure seems unsafe, overly intrusive, or is producing adverse effects, document objectively and report to your supervisor immediately.

The enforceable rules issued by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board that govern professional conduct for RBTs, including responsibilities related to client welfare, supervision, competence, confidentiality, boundaries, and professional representation.

The activities an RBT is permitted to perform under supervision. RBTs implement procedures and collect data but do not design interventions, interpret results, or make independent treatment decisions.

The demonstrated ability to perform assigned tasks accurately and effectively. When competence is lacking, the RBT seeks supervision rather than continuing services independently.

Ongoing oversight provided by a qualified BACB supervisor. RBT supervision must meet BACB requirements, including minimum supervision hours, documented contacts, and direct observation of service delivery.

Individuals invested in the client’s services and outcomes, such as caregivers, family members, teachers, and agency staff. RBT communication with stakeholders is guided by authorisation, confidentiality requirements, and the chain of command.

Situations in which an RBT has more than one type of relationship with a client, caregiver, supervisor, or colleague (for example professional and personal). Multiple relationships can impair judgement and increase risk of harm, so they are avoided or mitigated under supervision.

A situation in which personal, financial, or social interests could interfere with professional judgement or client welfare. Conflicts of interest are disclosed and managed under supervision.

Items or benefits given or received that may influence or appear to influence professional judgement. The BACB limits gifts to nominal value (no more than $10 per instance and $50 per year from the same source). If an employer policy is more restrictive, follow the stricter rule.

Honest, accurate, responsible professional behaviour. Integrity includes truthful reporting, accurate representation of your role and credentials, adherence to written procedures, and avoidance of misleading statements.

The ethical and legal obligation to protect client information from unauthorised access or disclosure. Confidentiality applies to written records, electronic data, verbal communication, and transport of documentation.

Upholding the person’s autonomy, privacy, and self-respect through respectful communication, ethical implementation of procedures, and protection of rights.