RBT Professional Conduct and Scope 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A parent asks you to skip a planned teaching activity because their child is tired. What should you do?
- Skip the activity and document the parent's request (Correct answer)
- Insist on running the full session regardless
- Call your supervisor immediately before responding
- Tell the parent you cannot take direction from them
Correct answer: Skip the activity and document the parent's request
RBTs should be respectful of caregiver input and document any deviations from the treatment plan for the supervising BCBA.
Question 2: Which of the following best describes the RBT's role in the treatment planning process?
- RBTs implement treatment plans but do not design them (Correct answer)
- RBTs design treatment plans under BCBA supervision
- RBTs approve treatment plans before implementation
- RBTs create individualized goals for each client
Correct answer: RBTs implement treatment plans but do not design them
RBTs are responsible for implementing, not designing, behavior intervention plans created by a supervising BCBA.
Question 3: You notice a colleague using an unapproved reinforcement strategy with a client. What is the most appropriate first action?
- Report your concern to your supervising BCBA (Correct answer)
- Confront your colleague directly in front of the client
- Ignore it since it is not your client
- Report the colleague to BACB immediately
Correct answer: Report your concern to your supervising BCBA
RBTs should report concerns about treatment integrity to their supervising BCBA rather than acting unilaterally.
Question 4: An RBT is working with a client who suddenly becomes aggressive. What should the RBT prioritize?
- Safety of the client and themselves first (Correct answer)
- Continuing the session to maintain routine
- Immediately ending all contact with the client
- Calling the client's school to report the incident
Correct answer: Safety of the client and themselves first
Safety is the highest priority in any behavioral incident, and RBTs should follow established crisis protocols.
Question 5: Which situation would require an RBT to break confidentiality?
- The client discloses they are being physically abused (Correct answer)
- A family member asks for session progress updates
- Another therapist requests to observe a session
- The client performs poorly on a skill assessment
Correct answer: The client discloses they are being physically abused
Mandated reporter obligations require RBTs to report suspected abuse or neglect, which supersedes confidentiality.
Question 6: An RBT receives a gift from a grateful parent at the end of a successful program. What should the RBT do?
- Decline the gift and consult the organization's gift policy (Correct answer)
- Accept the gift since it was given voluntarily
- Accept the gift but report it to the BCBA afterward
- Donate the gift to the organization on the client's behalf
Correct answer: Decline the gift and consult the organization's gift policy
Accepting gifts can create dual relationships; RBTs should follow organizational policy and typically decline gifts.
Question 7: Which of the following would be considered operating outside an RBT's scope of practice?
- Independently modifying a client's behavior intervention plan (Correct answer)
- Collecting data on target behaviors during sessions
- Implementing DTT procedures as directed by the BCBA
- Reporting session data to the supervising BCBA
Correct answer: Independently modifying a client's behavior intervention plan
Modifying treatment plans is a clinical function reserved for BCBAs; RBTs must implement plans as written.
RBT Professional Conduct and Scope 3
A parent asks you to skip a planned teaching activity because their child is tired.
What should you do?