-[Maya] Welcome to inside the BACB the official podcast of the Behavior Analyst Certification Board -[Dr. Jim Carr] Hi everyone welcome to another episode of inside the BACB I'm Dr. Jim Carr the organization's CEO, and with me today is Dr. Tyra Sellers our director of ethics. -[Dr. Tyra Sellers] Hi everybody. -[Dr. Jim Carr] As you may know we recently published a new version of the RBT ethics code. This is version 2.0 so today Tyra and I will briefly review the process involved in revising the code and talk about its revised standards and our listeners should know that version 2.0 of the RBT ethics code goes into effect January 1st 2022. -[Dr. Tyra Sellers] Yep, and there's a crosswalk that should help folks navigate the changes and become more familiar with the updated version of the RBT code. I'm super excited for us to review everything. -[Dr. Jim Carr] Yeah me too. Before we get started I want to let our listeners know that this is another example of the BACB's long-standing process of periodically reviewing and revising our requirements. -[Dr. Tyra Sellers] Yeah, and specific to the RBT ethics code the history of changes goes a little bit like this. When the RBT credential began RBT's were required to comply with a subset of 29 specific components, and those were highlighted in the guidelines for responsible conduct for behavior analysts, and they were present in sections one, two, four, six, seven, eight, and nine. If you're looking for the specific sections you can check out page five of the December 2013 BACB newsletter so you have to get in the way back machine and go all the way back to 2013, and then when the professional and ethical compliance code for behavior analysts was disseminated in 2014, and that went into effect in 2016. In that code document, specific standards that applied to RBT's were indicated with a little red RBT next to that relevant standard item. -[Dr. Jim Carr] Yeah, that's right then in December 2018, we published the first standalone RBT ethics code and for this code we basically took all the standards from the professional and ethical compliance code that were designated as relevant for RBT's and we rewrote them to be a bit more understandable for that population. So that brings us to the newly revised code, so Tyra, will you please talk about why we revised it. -[Dr. Tyra Sellers] Absolutely. So folks can remember that in 2019 the BACB worked to revise the professional and ethical compliance code for behavior analysts, that led to a much more elegantly named ethics code for behavior analysts. That was published in late 2019 and it goes into effect in 2022. Well the project of revising the RBT ethics code was really driven by the need to make sure we were aligning the standards with that new ethics code for behavior analysts. Ensuring that the standards in the RBT ethics code were appropriate for the types of work activity that RBT's typically perform. -[Dr. Jim Carr] Okay, so what were the first few steps involved in the revision project? -[Dr. Tyra Sellers] Well, we started as always by reviewing any relevant feedback that we had received prior to you know late 2020. So, sort of as we get feedback from the profession from folks in the field, sometimes that's via email maybe at a conference, we hang on to that feedback. And then after we reviewed the feedback that we kind of had been hanging on to, we took a look at four codes of ethics from related professions and we looked for similarities and differences in structure scope and ethics standards between those codes and the RBT code. We also did a close comparison between the RBT ethics code and then the newly published ethics code for behavior analysts. Really to identify any instances where changes to standards would result in BCBA's and BCaBA's being held to a lesser standard than RBT's because that's not going to work. So an example is that changes to the ethics code for behavior analysts gift exchange standard would allow gift exchanges under certain circumstances for BCaBA's and BCBA's, but the current RBT code strictly prohibits accepting gifts. -[Dr. Jim Carr] Alright, so you reviewed feedback that we have been collecting over the years, reviewed other codes, and did a comparison with the ethics code for behavior analyst. That all makes sense, but you also gathered input from RBT's and supervisors right? -[Dr. Tyra Sellers] You bet we did. Feedback from the profession is really critical when we're carrying out these revision processes. So we sent out an anonymous survey to RBT's, and then another one to RBT supervisors in December 2020. We got back just over 6,000 responses, which is a really good response rate from active RBT's, And we got about 1,700 from supervisors. Obviously the specific feedback varied widely across and within sections related to the RBT code, but there were some common themes that emerged. So for example, supervisors and RBT's pretty consistently indicated you know that many standards didn't seem well matched to the types of work activities typically carried out by RBT's. Some of the specific things that were called out included activities like RBT's obtaining consent for videotaping clients in session, or selecting data collection procedures, displaying data appropriately. So in the survey responses many RBT's and supervisors also pointed out that the gift giving standard was an important area for improvement. -[Dr. Jim Carr] Wow, almost 8,000 survey responses. You know, I think we also got a lot of great survey feedback when we were developing the ethics code for behavior analysts. You know, conducting these kinds of surveys, it's a bit of a partnership we can put out as many surveys as we want but they're irrelevant if no one completes them. So, I just want to take this opportunity to thank our certificates who provided us feedback in these recent surveys and there are definitely more to come. So after the survey data had been analyzed this is when you brought in subject matter experts right? -[Dr. Tyra Sellers] Yeah, great segue. We were incredibly lucky to receive the input from a total of 13 subject matter experts. You know, quick shout out to all the folks who volunteer their time and intellectual capital as SME's for various projects for the BACB over the past years, and for many many more years to come. That support is incredible and we really benefit so much from their feedback and perspective. -[Dr. Jim Carr] Yeah, agreed. You know, we work with some amazing SME's and in some years we work with almost 200. -[Dr. Tyra Sellers] Dang! Well, we didn't have that many on this project we just had 13, but we really worked hard to gather a diverse group of folks including RBT's, folks who routinely train and supervise RBT's. So specifically, we had four RBT's one of them subsequently took and passed the exam and is now a BCBCA, so congratulations to that SME, and eight BCBA's. So, to kind of take them through this work group process, we held several small work groups with different combinations of SME's to gather initial feedback and to suggest revisions, and we have these meetings at multiple times during the revision process. Then of course the drafted document went through several rounds of internal reviews, and a bunch of revisions, and then finally to the bacb board of directors for them to consider for approval. -[Dr. Jim Carr] And they did approve it. -[Dr. Tyra Sellers] Yay! -[Dr. Jim Carr] I think when folks read the new code the first thing they're going to notice is that it has a structured introduction section. And this mirrored what we did in the ethics code for behavior analysts and, I think it provides some important antecedent guidance on the code. -[Dr. Tyra Sellers] Yeah, I think that's spot on, Jim, it references those four guiding principles that appear and have some subsequent bullets in the ethics code for behavior analysts. And it really makes it clear that RBT's are not alone in learning about and applying their ethics standards. They need to do that in partnership with their supervisors. The language in the introduction section establishes the expectation that BACB required supervisors have to be familiar with the RBT ethics code 2.0, and that they have a duty to support RBT's in learning about and applying the standards. The introduction also clarifies that RBT's need to be familiar with the ethics code for behavior analysts, and there are two reasons for that. I know it's a big ask but you know BCBA's and BCaBA's have specific ethics requirements to those whom they supervise, meaning RBT's. So, RBT's need to know what they should be expecting from their own supervisors and that they have the protection of those code standards if a supervisor is violating them. The second reason is that RBT's are in a position to know if a BCBA or a BCaBA is violating a standard from the ethics code for behavior analysts even not related to supervisory practices. And those RBT's have a duty to take steps to address a suspected or actual violation. So they kind of need to know about that code. -[Dr. Jim Carr] Yeah, that's a really good point. So, the introduction section, it also includes some language that's contained in standards of the current RBT ethics code right? -[Dr. Tyra Sellers] Yeah, exactly. So, I'll clarify that a little in case that's a little confusing to people but standards 1.01, 1.02, 1.05, and 1.13 from the current RBT ethics code are all represented in the introduction section of the new 2.0 code version. And we did that in the ethics code for behavior analysts as well so these standards are sort of aspirational or they focus on processes like addressing violations or conflicts. So they're better represented in the introduction section. In addition to those four standards that i just named that were kind of moved and incorporated into the introduction section, we also removed 2.06, 3.06, and 3.08 of the current RBT code as separate standalone standards, however, the general expectations of those standards are covered in other standards that appear in the 2.0 version of the code. So folks can check out the crosswalk for more information to find out exactly where the expectations related to those three standards where they live in the new 2.0 version. -[Dr. Jim Carr] Alright. Well, next readers will find the three sections containing the actual epic standards. I know the current RBT ethics code has 31 standards across three sections. How does the new version stack up? -[Dr. Tyra Sellers] The 2.0 versions pretty similar in terms of total number of standards. We ended up having 29 ethics standards. So, the standards were reorganized so that they appear from kind of broad to more specific. Which is also very similar to the structure in the ethics code for behavior analysts. The section names have also changed so how about if we go through each section, Jim? -[Dr. Jim Carr] Let's do it. So, I know that there were also several new standards added, but let's cover those in their respective sections. So in the RBT ethics code 2.0 section 1 is titled general responsibilities, and contains 12 standards describing RBT's responsibilities related to professional conduct in a helping profession. -[Dr. Tyra Sellers] Yeah. The new section one really has a lot of the same content as section one in the current RBT code, and a few things in there from section three. Also, as we already mentioned some things were moved into the introduction section. -[Dr. Jim Carr] Alright. So the first standard in section one is 1.01 and it reads, "RBT's are honest and work to support an environment that promotes truthful behavior in others. They do not lead others to engage in fraudulent illegal or unethical behavior. They follow the law and the requirements of their professional community. For example, the BACB an employer or supervisor." -[Dr. Tyra Sellers] Yup. This standard is really similar to 1.03 of the current code the slight difference is that the language in the current code says and create an environment. We really hope that RBT's are active participants and collaborators in developing an ethical work culture, but their primary role is more supportive in nature so the new language really kind of captures that aspect of their role. It's also related to the current 1.04 in terms of requiring compliance with the law, and with the professional community like the bacb or their employer. So, how about if we take turns reading the code standards i'll read the next standard and then you can talk a little bit about it. -[Dr. Jim Carr] Sounds good. -[Dr. Tyra Sellers] Standard 1.02 reads, "RBT's conduct themselves in a professional manner are accountable for their actions and make an effort to follow through on work and contractual commitments. When commitments cannot be met RBT's work with their supervisors to address the situation in the best interest of clients. -[Dr. Jim Carr] So this standard is related to 1.09 in the current code, but as you described for 1.01, it's been reworded to better align with the role of an RBT. So that refocusing it's a common theme throughout the revised code. -[Dr. Tyra Sellers] Yeah, the review process really highlighted for us that some standards just weren't really well matched to the typical expectations and work activities for RBT's. -[Dr. Jim Carr] Right. Alright, so standard 1.03 reads, "RBT's only provide services under their RBT certification within a clearly defined role under close ongoing supervision." So, this standard's a combination of 3.01 and 3.05 without much change. [Dr. Tyra Sellers] Yeah, you're right really not much changed with that language, and i think it's pretty clear. Okay, so 1.04 is the next standard and it's brand new and 1.04 reads, "RBT's are never employers of their supervisor. RBT's who are also trainees, in other words, those accruing supervised field work toward a future BCBA or BCaBA certification application, may separately contract for those supervision services." The purpose of 1.04 is really to clarify that RBT's should not be the direct employers of their supervisor for their RBT activities. As this creates a really tricky multiple relationship with pretty problematic conflicts of interests. -[Dr. Jim Carr] Yeah, yeah. It does and that's an important clarification. But 1.04 makes it clear that RBT's who are also trainees collecting their field work hours may contract with a BCBA to provide supervision services because we recognize that the context in which folks operate are varied and often complex. So, next is 1.05 and that standard reads, "RBT's do not knowingly make false, misleading, or exaggerated statements about their qualifications or behavior technician services. They provide a current and accurate set of relevant credentials to employers and supervisors upon request." This is I think a combination of the current 1.10 and 1.11, and there's not much else that changed, right? -[Dr. Tyra Sellers] Yeah, that's exactly right. Pretty much the same expectations don't say that you could do something that you can't do and don't misrepresent yourself as something or someone that you are not. The one change is that the word client has been omitted from the language, really because it seems more appropriate that requests to look at an RBT's credential should be directed through their supervisor or employer. -[Dr. Jim Carr] Agreed. -[Dr. Tyra Sellers] Alright, well moving on to 1.06 it reads, "RBT's provide behavior technician services only after their supervisor confirms that they have demonstrated competence. They work with their supervisor to continually evaluate their competence. If an RBT identifies that they are being asked to do something that goes beyond the scope of their certification and or competence, they immediately inform their supervisor or other appropriate individuals at their place of employment and document this communication." This one is most directly related to 3.03 but also 3.02 in the current RBT code. Basically, you know the language just provides more specificity around continual requirements related to identifying competence, and you know sort of some guidance for what to do if a supervisor maybe pushes an RBT outside of their scope of competence. It also places the burden of ensuring that something is within the RBT scope of competence on the supervisor as that seems to be the right person who should ultimately evaluate an RBT's abilities.-[Dr. Jim Carr] That is the truth. Well, that gets us to the next newly added standard 1.07 which reads, "RBT's work directly with their supervisor to ensure that they are culturally responsive in their work. They actively work to evaluate their own biases and ability to work with individuals with diverse needs and backgrounds. For example, age, disability, ethnicity, gender expression and identity, immigration status, marital relationship status, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation and socioeconomic status. And they obtain any needed training in these areas under the direction of their supervisor. So, this was added in response to the profession's growing need to ensure that practitioners are being culturally responsive, and that they continually self-evaluate their biases. -[Dr. Tyra Sellers] 100 percent correct, Jim. You know 1.07 in RBT ethics code 2.0 is aligned directly with 1.07 cultural responsiveness and diversity and, 4.07 incorporating and addressing diversity in the ethics code for behavior analysts. Now that actually just happened accidentally that 1.07 in the RBT ethics code 2.0 and 1.07 in the ethics code for behavior analysts, both ended up being about cultural responsiveness and diversity. But, I think that's pretty cool that they aligned so perfectly. -[Dr. Jim Carr] Indeed. -[Dr. Tyra Sellers] Alright, well next is 1.08 and that reads, "RBT's do not harass or discriminate against others. For example, clients or co-workers. They behave towards others in an equitable and inclusive manner regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender expression or identity immigration status, marital or relationship status, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, or any other basis prescribed by law." This is basically the current 2.03 but updated with that more inclusive list of groups and characteristics that are in line with the ethics code for behavior analysts. And the standard that you just read, Jim. -[Dr. Jim Carr] Alright, well 1.09 is the next standard and it reads, "RBT's are aware that their personal biases are challenges. For example, mental or physical health conditions, legal financial marital relationship challenges may impact their ability to effectively carry out their behavior technician services. If their biases or challenges may impact services, they take steps to resolve the issue. For example, developing an action or care plan, reporting their supervisor, refraining from working with clients until the issue is resolved, reporting to the BACB, and they document these actions. Now, the language in this standard is a revised version of 1.08 and the current RBT code, but just with more clarification and direction, right? -[Dr. Tyra Sellers] Yeah, that's right the language really is meant to place a more appropriate level of expectation on RBT's, and to provide some guidance on steps to take. There are a few instances where the code directs RBT's to document their actions, and i just want to clarify, really that depends on the situation. But often that's going to mean taking notes, archiving emails, you know drafting sort of a summary of a conversation that took place with dates and names, and things like that. So, just a little bit of guidance for folks listening there. Okay, that brings us to standard 1.10 and that standard reads, "RBT's avoid multiple relationships with clients, co-workers, and supervisors. Multiple relationships occur when there is a mixing of two or more relationships. For example, friend, family member, employee, employer, that may result in conflicts of interest and risk of harm to the client. If RBT's find that a multiple relationship has developed, they immediately inform their supervisor work to resolve it and document these actions. If the multiple relationship involves their supervisor RBT should report it to their supervisors manager or other appropriate entity. For example, human resources the bacb and document this communication." This one really is just a clarification of current 1.06. -[Dr. Jim Carr] Alright, well 1.11 is next and it is also a clarification of current 2.04 to update it and to align it with the related gift exchange standard and the ethics code for behavioral analysts. So 1.11 reads, "Because the exchange of gifts can lead to conflicts of interest in multiple relationships, RBT's do not give gifts to or accept gifts from clients, stakeholders, or supervisors with a monetary value of more than 10 U.S dollars., or the equivalent purchasing power in another currency. A gift is acceptable if it functions as an occasional expression of gratitude and does not result in a financial benefit to the recipient. Instances of giving or accepting ongoing or cumulative gifts may rise to the level of a violation of this standard, if the gifts become a regularly expected source of income or value to the recipient. If an employer has a stricter policy regarding gift exchange, for example prohibiting gift exchange, RBT's follow that policy." Alright. So, the big difference between 1.11 and the RBT ethics code 2.0 and 1.12 giving and receiving gifts in the ethics code for behavior analysts, is that additional sentence at the end. This was added to clarify that the code standards are the threshold or minimum requirements, so that if a supervisor or employer had a stricter requirement around gift exchange, RBT's would need to comply with that higher standard. -[Dr. Tyra Sellers] Yeah. You're absolutely correct about that point. In fact, that's even true of the standards in the ethics code for behavior analysts despite the fact that that last sentence doesn't appear. If there's another relevant entity like a licensure board or an employer and they have requirements that are higher than those requirements set forth in a code standard, the individual needs to comply with whatever that higher standard is. Which would naturally also comply with the minimum standards in the code. Alright, well standard 1.12 is next and reads, "RBT's do not engage in romantic or sexual relationships with current clients, stakeholders, or supervisors. They do not engage in romantic or sexual relationships with former clients or stakeholders for a minimum of two years from the date the professional relationship ended. They do not engage in romantic or sexual relationships with former supervisors until the parties can document that the professional relationship has ended. In other words completion of all professional duties. They do not receive supervision from individuals with whom they have had a past romantic or sexual relationship until at least six months after the relationship has ended." Alright, so this standard relates to the current 1.07 and brings the requirements into alignment with the correlated standard in the ethics code for behavior analysts. Listeners should note that there is additional language at the end that's specific to RBTs relationships with their supervisors. -[Dr. Jim Carr] Alright, well we made it through section one general responsibilities. Now section two is titled, Responsibilities in Providing Behavior Technician Services. And this section includes 10 standards that are specific to requirements related to providing those services. So, i'll get started with 2.01 which reads, "RBT's do no harm and work to support the best interest of their clients. They are knowledgeable about and comply with mandated reporting requirements." So this standard relates to 2.01 of the current RBT code, and yes once again they have the exact same number. The requirements are pretty much the same, but I think the new language is a bit clearer. -[Dr. Tyra Sellers] Yeah. I agree the new 2.01 includes the requirement that RBT's need to be aware of and follow mandated reporting requirements specific to their state. Now, I get it RBT's probably aren't going to just know that. So that training is likely to be provided as part of an RBT's onboarding at a provider organization. So, again that sort of highlights that shared burden between the RBT and their supervisor or those in positions above them. Alright, well 2.02 is the next standard and reads, "RBT's follow the direction of their supervisors accurately implement behavior technician services and accurately complete all required documentation. For example, client data billing records. This is linked to current 2.10, and 3.07, and also 1.06 , as I mentioned previously. So basically it's been refocused to require that RBT's carry out services outlined by their supervisors and that they do so accurately. It also applies not only to direct service activities, but also other activities like data collection, billing, and any other kind of documentation activities like creating session notes or what have you" -[Dr. Jim Carr] Yeah. That's a great clarification. Alright so 2.03 reads "RBT's conduct themselves in a professional manner during all work activities. For example, delivering services receiving training or supervision. They take action to improve their performance following feedback from supervisors." This one is new and simply makes it clear that RBT's must behave in a professional manner. And I really like the new requirement that RBT''s actively use the feedback they receive to improve their performance. And obviously this is linked to standards in section four responsibility to supervisees and trainees in the ethics code for behavior analysts. This section requires that supervisors provide high quality feedback to their supervisees. -[Dr. Tyra Sellers] Yeah. I don't think that we can underscore enough how critical the RBT position is, and that it is a professional position. So I also really like 2.03 sort of highlighting that ,you know, they need to behave in a professional manner because they're in a professional position. -[Dr. Jim Carr] Yeah. That's a really good point, and i think it's also important to realize that you know people need to be taught how to receive feedback. This should be done at the beginning of any kind of formal training, RBT training, graduate school for BCBA or BCaBA because if individuals don't receive feedback well, or if they're engaging in verbal behavior that's incompatible with that feedback, your feedback's not likely to be very successful. And just as an aside, these skills and obligations for teaching people how to receive feedback, they're outlined in the supervision curriculum 2.0 document. -[Dr. Tyra Sellers] Yeah, that's right. There's a nice list of specific skill components related to effective and appropriate feedback reception. So, I love that point. Okay, well then that takes us to 2.0, "RBT's do not use unfamiliar interventions or provide services to unfamiliar client populations, unless they have received proper training." This is a clarification of the language that's in 3.04 of the current code, and really it's related to scope of competence. It's pretty straightforward. -[Dr. Jim Carr] Yep, sure is. So, the next standard is 2.05 and it's new and it reads, "RBT's implement restrictive or punishment-based procedures only when included in a documented behavior change plan, and after their supervisor has verified their competence. So, this standard makes it very clear that RBT's cannot make independent decisions about implementing restrictive or punishment-based procedures if such procedures are written into a plan. RBT's must have demonstrated competence before ever implementing them with a client." Now this edition was in response to the data collected in the ethics department around violations, right? -[Dr. Tyra Sellers] Yeah, unfortunately there have been a good number of alleged violations around RBT's implementing restrictive or punishment-based procedures without the proper direction from a supervisor. So, it was in response to sort of the data that we have in our department. The next standard is also new, it's 2.06 and it reads, "RBT's direct any questions or concerns that they or others, for example caregivers co-workers, have about their behavior technician services to their supervisor." This standard was added based on significant survey feedback and recommendations from several of the SME's. Basically it requires that RBT's actively address their questions specifically and directly to their supervisor, which makes sense. It also clarifies and requires that RBT's route questions from caregivers or others to their supervisor as opposed to answering them themselves. Now, obviously there are plenty of questions that an RBT can answer, but when it comes to questions about things like programming assessments, service dosages, things like that, RBT's really should be passing those questions along to their supervisor. As well as directing the question asker to present those questions to the supervisor. -[Dr. Jim Carr] Yeah. That's a great addition that hopefully will help minimize confusion or misinformation being passed along. Alright, so next up is 2.07 which reads, "RBT's take necessary actions to protect clients when they become aware that a client's legal rights are being violated, or that there is risk of harm to a client. In these instances, RBT's report the matter to their supervisor, follow organization policies, and document these actions. In some instances, RBT's may need to contact relevant authorities. For example, law enforcement, the BACB, a licensure board." This relates to 2.02 and the current RBT code and it's pretty similar, and I think straightforward. -[Dr. Tyra Sellers] Agreed. So, I will move on to standard 2.0 which is about confidentiality, and there are a few that are about confidentiality. This one 2.08 reads, RBT's protect the confidentiality and privacy of their clients, stakeholders, and others in the workplace by following all related requirements established by the bacb, employers, and the law/. For example, privacy laws licensure requirements. RBT's maintain confidentiality when interacting with client information and records." This standard is related to a few in the current code 2.07 2.08 and 2.10, and basically RBT's have to follow the requirements that are in place around confidentiality, and any training on confidentiality requirements should be provided by their employers and their supervisors. -[Dr. Jim Carr] Right, and 2.09 is also about confidentiality, but it's a bit more specific. So, it reads, "RBT's do not share identifying information, for example, photos, videos, written information, about clients on social media or websites. This standard is related to 2.5 in the current RBT code, but the language is clear that RBT's should not share identifying information about clients on social media or websites. If any allowable client information is going to be shared on media platforms, an RBT is not the appropriate person to do so in a company or provider organization." -[Dr. Tyra Sellers] 100 percent about that one. And 2.09 is a good example of a standard that really has been revised to better protect RBT's and consumers. So we're on a theme here, 2.10 is also about confidentiality it reads, "RBT's only discuss confidential client information under the direction of their supervisor. Unless allowed by law for a valid reason. For example, protecting the client or others from harm. RBT's only share necessary client information in their job-related communications. For example, emails and documentation. 2.10 is most closely related to 2.09 in the current code, but it also has a little flavor from 2.07 and 2.08. The new 2.10 really clarifies RBT's should only be talking about confidential client information after having received direction to do so from their supervisor. So they shouldn't take it upon themselves to share information. For example, if there are other treatment professionals involved in the service delivery an RBT shouldn't just discuss confidential information with those professionals without having been asked to do so from their supervisor. Of course there are some legal reasons that an RBT might need to disclose confidential information without first getting direction from their supervisor. And those are mostly centered around taking action to protect the client or others from immediate and likely harm. That last part of 2.10 also makes it clear that RBT's only share relevant client details if they're communicating about a client within their job duties. This is really to protect the RBT and the client in instances where someone might sort of press the RBT for other information that isn't really related to the specific purpose of that communication. -[Dr. Jim Carr] Alright, well that ends the review of section two, so let's move on to the final section three, responsibilities to the BACB and BACB required supervisor. So there are seven standards in this section that describe RBT's responsibility to the BACB and their BACB required supervisor. Now many of these standards appear in the brief introduction or preamble of the current code, right? -[Dr. Tyra Sellers] Yep. We really took the language that was contained in the current introductory section and created standards 1.0 through 1.05 as standalone standards in the new 2.0 version of the code. I don't really think that we need to read each of these since the language and requirements are pretty similar to what's in the current code. Basically you know it covers things like comply with requirements from the BACB, don't cheat, don't help others cheat, don't disseminate exam content, self-report information if needed to the BACB. There is one thing that i'd like to point out though and that is about 3.02. It requires that RBT's correct any issues with documentation or information that they submitted to the BACB, or to their supervisor, or employer. Also 3.05 is related to the current 1.12, and it basically says don't misuse anyone's intellectual property, like the bacb certification titles exam questions, employers proprietary materials like training documents or handbooks. -[Dr. Jim Carr] Okay, well then let's review 3.06 then because it is a new standard. It reads, "RBT's named in a notice of alleged violation or who receive required actions from the BACB, for example an educational memorandum, notice of RBT required action, disciplinary or appeal determination, notice of summary suspension or revocation, they immediately share the report with their supervisor and work collaboratively to respond to any correspondence and comply with all requirements from the BACB." This standard lets RBT's know that if they are named in a notice or have some other required action from the BACB, they need to let their supervisor know about it. And they need to work with the supervisor to address any needed actions and respond back to the BACB, comply with any tasks assigned, or requests. For example, you know they may need to provide documentation they receive training on a specific topic. -[Dr. Tyra Sellers] Yeah actually, Jim, that one's really important because the supervisor is going to be in a better position to know about supports available from the bacb in terms of how to respond or self-report. That supervisor is going to be able to help gather material that the RBT might need to put together and submit to the BACB. So that one is really really important, and it also kind of reiterates that shared responsibility between the supervisor and the RBT that is throughout this code version. Alright, well the last standard in the RBT ethics code 2.0 is 3.07 and it reads, "RBT's regularly, for example monthly, check their BACB account to ensure information for example name email address mailing address is accurate. Within 24 hours of becoming aware of a change of their certification status, for example, inactive, expired, suspended, revoked, RBT's report the change to their supervisor and subsequently comply with applicable BACB requirements related to practice billing and use of the RBT title." This one is important and it was added to make it clear that RBT's should be the ones creating and managing their own BACB account, not someone else. Also because an RBT status might change pretty quickly, they need to make sure that they're checking and letting their supervisor know if there is a change to their status. And you know that's really important because that can impact billing. You know some changes in statuses for RBT's would prevent an RBT from being able to represent themselves as an RBT, it might prevent them from providing services that require an rbt active status, as well as billing for those services. So that's really important to keep an eye on your account your information and make sure it's all up to date. -[Dr. Jim Carr] That is a very good point, and my guess is there are a number of listeners here who are supervisors or business owners will be very interested in this requirement. Well, I think that covers all the standards. Now the last part of the RBT ethics code 2.0 is the glossary. It's got 10 terms in it, nine of them also appear in the ethics code for behavior analysts, and some have been added to make sure that they are relevant to RBT's. -[Dr. Tyra Sellers] Yeah. That's right we pretty much used the same terms and definitions, but made sure again that they were relevant to the activities that RBT's engage in. And we did add one new definition and that is for the term behavior technician services because it appears in the RBT ethics code 2.0. And that definition reads, "Services provided under the direction of a BACB required supervisor that are explicitly based on the principles and procedures of behavior analysis, and are designed to change behavior in a meaningful way. These services include but are not limited to implementing behavior change interventions and assisting with assessments and training." We needed to kind of define this term because it's used throughout the code to refer specifically to work activities of RBT's. -[Dr. Jim Carr] Right. Well that brings us to the end of our discussion about the RBT ethics code 2.0. Tyra, thanks for reviewing the process and some of the big changes with me. -[Dr. Tyra Sellers] My pleasure. I really hope that this episode, and the newsletter article, and that crosswalk document help folks become more familiar with the RBT ethics code version 2.0 in preparation for its January 1st 2022 implementation date. Also just take the opportunity for one really big thank you to all of the RBT supervisors, all of the RBT's, and all of the SME's who took time out of their busy schedules to complete the surveys and help us out on this project. So thank you so much. -[Dr. Jim Carr] Indeed. Alright, well that brings us to the end of the episode. Thanks for listening everyone. -[Dr. Tyra Sellers] Thanks bye everybody. -[Maya] Thank you for listening to inside the BACB don't miss future episodes, subscribe now.