Overview
This lecture reviews the revision process and major updates in the RBT Ethics Code 2.0, focusing on new standards, organizational changes, and implications for RBTs and supervisors.
Revision Process and Rationale
- The RBT Ethics Code is periodically reviewed and revised to align with current best practices and the Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts.
- Feedback was collected from RBTs, supervisors, related professional codes, and subject matter experts (SMEs).
- Nearly 8,000 survey responses and input from 13 SMEs shaped the updated code.
- The goal was to better match standards to RBT work activities and ensure clarity.
Structure and Organization of Code 2.0
- The new code goes into effect January 1, 2022, and contains a structured introduction section.
- Some standards were moved to the introduction or removed for clarity or alignment.
- Three main sections: General Responsibilities, Responsibilities in Providing Behavior Technician Services, Responsibilities to the BACB and Supervisor.
- Total of 29 ethics standards, arranged from broad to specific concepts.
Section 1: General Responsibilities
- RBTs must act honestly, support ethical environments, and follow laws and employer requirements.
- RBTs conduct themselves professionally, are accountable, and follow through on commitments.
- Services are only provided under clear supervision and defined roles.
- RBTs cannot be employers of their supervisors, except when contracting for separate trainee supervision.
- RBTs must not misrepresent qualifications, and must provide credentials on request.
- Competence must be verified by supervisors before providing services, and ongoing evaluation is required.
- RBTs must ensure cultural responsiveness and actively address their biases.
- No harassment, discrimination, or unprofessional conduct is allowed.
- RBTs must avoid multiple relationships and conflicts of interest.
- Gift giving/acceptance is restricted to a $10 USD value, with stricter employer policies taking precedence.
- Romantic or sexual relationships with clients, stakeholders, or supervisors are prohibited, with time-based restrictions post-relationship.
Section 2: Behavior Technician Services
- RBTs must do no harm and follow mandated reporting requirements.
- Must accurately follow supervisor directions and complete documentation.
- Professional conduct is required in all work activities, with active improvement via feedback.
- Unfamiliar interventions or populations require proper training.
- Restrictive/punishment-based procedures require supervisor verification and competence.
- Questions or concerns from RBTs or others must be directed to supervisors.
- Client legal rights violations and harm risks must be reported and documented.
- Confidentiality and privacy must be rigorously protected, including on social media.
- Confidential information is only discussed as directed by supervisors, unless legally required.
Section 3: BACB and Supervisor Responsibilities
- RBTs must comply with BACB requirements and not engage in cheating, fraud, or misuse of intellectual property.
- Any notice of violation from the BACB must be shared with supervisors, with collaborative compliance required.
- RBTs must keep BACB account information accurate, reporting any status changes to supervisors immediately.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Behavior Technician Services — Services under BACB supervisor direction, based on behavior analysis principles, including interventions and assessments.
- Multiple Relationships — Mixing two or more relationships (e.g., friend and employee) that can cause conflicts of interest.
- Mandated Reporting — Legal requirement to report abuse, neglect, or harm as dictated by state or relevant law.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the crosswalk document to compare changes between current and new code versions.
- Familiarize yourself with the RBT Ethics Code 2.0 before January 1, 2022.
- Supervisors and RBTs should ensure understanding of their respective responsibilities under the new code.