RBT Professional Conduct and Ethics 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: The RBT Ethics Code requires RBTs to:
- Only follow the code when convenient
- Adhere to the code at all times when providing ABA services (Correct answer)
- Follow the code only during supervision meetings
- Follow the code only when clients are present
Correct answer: Adhere to the code at all times when providing ABA services
RBTs are expected to adhere to the ethical code at all times when providing ABA services. Ethical conduct is not situational — it applies consistently across all professional activities, interactions, and settings.
Question 2: An RBT receives a gift from a client's family. The best course of action is:
- Accept it and say nothing
- Follow the organization's gift policy and discuss with their supervisor (Correct answer)
- Refuse it rudely
- Accept it but give one back of equal value
Correct answer: Follow the organization's gift policy and discuss with their supervisor
Gift-giving can create dual relationships or obligations. The RBT should follow their organization's policy on accepting gifts and discuss the situation with their supervisor. Many organizations have clear policies about accepting or declining gifts.
Question 3: What does the term 'scope of competence' mean for an RBT?
- The RBT can do anything the BCBA can do
- The RBT should only perform tasks they are trained and qualified to do (Correct answer)
- The RBT has unlimited scope of practice
- The RBT can diagnose behavioral disorders
Correct answer: The RBT should only perform tasks they are trained and qualified to do
Scope of competence means the RBT should only implement procedures, collect data, and perform tasks for which they have received adequate training and demonstrated competency. Working outside one's scope can harm clients.
Question 4: An RBT suspects a client is being abused at home. What is their obligation?
- Ignore it unless they see it happen
- Report the suspicion to the appropriate authorities as a mandated reporter (Correct answer)
- Confront the family directly
- Wait to discuss it at the next team meeting
Correct answer: Report the suspicion to the appropriate authorities as a mandated reporter
RBTs are mandated reporters in most jurisdictions and are ethically obligated to report suspected abuse or neglect to the appropriate authorities (e.g., child protective services). Waiting or ignoring suspicion puts the client at risk.
Question 5: How often must an RBT receive supervision according to BACB requirements?
- Once a year
- At least 5% of the hours they provide direct services, with at least two contacts per month (Correct answer)
- Only when they make an error
- Supervision is optional for experienced RBTs
Correct answer: At least 5% of the hours they provide direct services, with at least two contacts per month
BACB requires that RBTs receive ongoing supervision that includes at least 5% of the total hours they spend providing ABA services, with a minimum of two supervision contacts per month. This ensures quality and accountability.
Question 6: What should an RBT do if they disagree with a BCBA's treatment recommendation?
- Refuse to implement the program
- Implement a different approach they think is better
- Discuss their concerns respectfully with the BCBA and follow the BCBA's direction (Correct answer)
- Complain to the client's family
Correct answer: Discuss their concerns respectfully with the BCBA and follow the BCBA's direction
The RBT should voice their concerns and observations to the BCBA in a respectful, professional manner. However, the BCBA has the authority and training to make clinical decisions. The RBT should follow the BCBA's direction unless it violates ethical guidelines.
RBT Professional Conduct and Ethics 2
The RBT Ethics Code requires RBTs to: