Unit F is the final and one of the most important units in the RBT Task List (2nd Edition). It focuses on ethical behavior, professional responsibilities, and knowing your scope of practice as a Registered Behavior Technician. Upholding high standards ensures client safety, quality services, and compliance with BACB® guidelines.
📌 F‑01: Describe the Role of the RBT in the Service Delivery System
As an RBT, your role is to implement behavior-analytic services directly with clients under the close supervision of a BCBA or BCaBA.
✅ You ARE responsible for:
- Delivering skill acquisition programs and behavior reduction plans as designed.
- Collecting and recording data.
- Following all protocols and instructions.
- Communicating progress or issues with your supervisor.
❌ You are NOT responsible for:
- Designing intervention plans.
- Making clinical decisions.
- Changing goals or methods independently.
💡 Example: If a parent asks you to try a new technique, politely explain that changes must be approved by the BCBA.
📌 F‑02: Respond Appropriately to Feedback and Maintain or Improve Performance
Being an RBT means being coachable and receptive to feedback.
✅ Tips for Responding to Feedback:
- Listen actively without becoming defensive.
- Ask questions to ensure you understand.
- Implement suggestions in your next session.
- Take notes to track improvements.
💡 Example: If your supervisor corrects your prompting strategy, apply the correction immediately to stay consistent with the plan.
📌 F‑03: Communicate with Stakeholders as Authorized
“Stakeholders” include parents, caregivers, teachers, and others involved in the client’s life. However, your communication must stay within professional boundaries and your role.
✅ Do:
- Provide basic session updates (e.g., “Today we worked on brushing teeth.”).
- Refer all clinical questions to the supervising BCBA.
- Maintain confidentiality and professional tone.
❌ Don’t:
- Share private behavior data or charts without permission.
- Discuss diagnoses or treatment plans.
- Give personal opinions on the client’s progress.
💡 Example: If a parent asks about medication, explain that you’re not qualified and suggest discussing it with the BCBA.
📌 F‑04: Maintain Professional Boundaries
Maintaining boundaries protects both you and your client.
✅ Maintain boundaries by:
- Avoiding dual relationships (e.g., don’t become friends, babysitters, or family confidants).
- Not accepting gifts or money from clients or families.
- Keeping all communication professional and job-related.
💡 Example: Declining a holiday gift by kindly saying, “Thank you so much, but it’s against our professional policy to accept gifts.”
📌 F‑05: Maintain Client Dignity
Respect for the client is non-negotiable. Always treat clients with the same dignity and privacy you would expect for yourself or a loved one.
✅ Tips:
- Speak respectfully, even when the client is not present.
- Protect client confidentiality in all settings.
- Use person-first or preferred language.
- Support independence and self-expression.
💡 Example: Instead of saying “My autistic client,” say “My client who has autism.”
📌 F‑06: Follow RBT Ethics Code
The RBT Ethics Code (by the BACB) outlines the standards you must follow. Violations can result in suspension or loss of your credential.
✅ Ethical Guidelines Include:
- Providing services only within your competence.
- Maintaining data integrity (never falsifying results).
- Reporting abuse or neglect.
- Following all supervision requirements.
- Avoiding any action that may harm the client.
💡 Tip: Always ask your supervisor if you’re unsure whether something is ethical.
🧠 Wrap-Up
Unit F reminds you that being an RBT is not just about behavior plans and data collection — it’s about being ethical, respectful, and professional at all times. This is how we protect our clients, build trust, and deliver the highest quality care.
As a professional RBT, you must:
- Know your scope of practice.
- Communicate clearly and professionally.
- Take feedback as a path for growth.
- Uphold strict ethical standards.
- Always prioritize client dignity and safety.
📝 Time to review! Take the Professional Conduct & Ethics Quiz below to test your knowledge on maintaining ethical boundaries, working within your scope, and responding to feedback like a true professional.