Professional Conduct and Ethics
Professional conduct and ethics
RBTs follow the BACB ethics requirements and employer policies: prioritize client welfare and dignity, practice within scope and competence, obtain informed consent (and client assent where applicable), and maintain confidentiality. Supervision is required; seek help when a situation exceeds your training. Avoid dual relationships, bartering, and gifts that could exploit or impair objectivity; follow clear boundaries in social media and community contacts. Be culturally responsive and use least restrictive, evidence-based procedures. Data and billing must be truthful; never fabricate, falsify, or backdate records. Report suspected abuse, neglect, or unethical conduct through proper channels. Traps: accepting a client’s expensive gift, becoming friends with a client’s family, giving advice outside your role, discussing cases publicly, or continuing a procedure you are not trained to run. Also watch for conflicts between caregiver requests and client welfare, and for pressure to bill services not delivered. Worked example: A parent offers a $100 gift card after services. Thank the parent, decline politely, explain agency policy, and suggest a card or note instead if allowed. Document the offer and your response per policy. Rule of thumb: when uncertain, ask your supervisor and choose the option that protects the client’s welfare, dignity, and confidentiality.