Professional Conduct and Scope of Practice Notes

RBT's Responsibility:
- RBTs are responsible for tracking their work hours and ensuring timely supervision.
- This includes tracking hours worked and supervision hours received.
- If supervision is needed, the RBT must proactively inform their supervisor.
Supervision Requirements:
- 5% of therapy hours per month must be supervised.
- For example, if an RBT works 100 hours in a month, 5 hours must be supervised.
During Supervision:
- The BCBA or BCABA documents the RBT's accomplishments during sessions.
- Feedback is provided to the RBT for improvement.
- A signed form is provided by the supervisor as proof of supervision.
Record Keeping:
- Keep a digital copy of the supervision form (scan and back it up).
- Retain these records for seven years, as the BACB may conduct audits.
- Audits verify the RBT's work hours and supervision received.
RBT's Role:
- RBTs work directly with the learner and implement behavior plans.
- They can provide suggestions or ideas to the supervisor.
- However, creating the behavior plan is the supervisor's responsibility.
Communication with Supervisor:
- RBTs should inform their supervisor of any changes in the home environment or other relevant information.
Mandated Reporter:
- RBTs are mandated reporters, meaning they are legally required to report any suspected abuse or neglect.
- Start by informing the supervisor of any suspicions.

Feedback from supervisors is intended to help RBTs improve and ensure client success.
RBTs should not take feedback personally but rather use it to enhance their skills and performance.
Implement the suggested tips to become a better behavior analyst.

Stakeholders Defined:
- Stakeholders include anyone who interacts regularly with the learner, such as family, caregivers, teachers, and other professionals.
Scope of Communication:
- RBTs should only communicate within their role and not exceed their responsibilities.
- The supervisor is ultimately responsible for the success of the therapy and planning.
Permissible Communication:
- RBTs can answer questions about the sessions they are running and how they are implementing the plan, as it falls within their scope.
- Explaining procedures being implemented (e.g., differential reinforcement) is acceptable.
Restricted Communication:
- RBTs should not make recommendations or change the plan.
- Inappropriate to make recommendations in an IEP meeting.
Handling Questions Outside the RBT's Role:
- Redirect questions outside the RBT's role to the supervisor.

Importance of Professional Relationships:
- Maintaining a professional relationship with the learner and their family is essential.
Avoiding Dual Relationships:
- Dual relationships should be avoided.
- RBTs should not become friends, start romantic relationships, or conduct business with clients.
- The role is therapist, not friend or business partner.
Appropriate Interactions:
- Being friendly is encouraged
- Keep conversations focused on the learner and therapy sessions.
Gifts and Social Media:
- Do not accept gifts, as it could cause a conflict of interest.
- Do not add clients or their family members on social media.
Consequences of Boundary Violations:
- Boundary violations can lead to scheduling conflicts and awkward situations.
- Conflicts with parents can jeopardize the child's therapy.
Agency's Role:
- The agency should inform parents about the policy of no dual relationships, no social media connections, and no gifts before therapy starts.

Respect and Dignity:
- Always respect the client and treat them with dignity.
- Treat them as you would want to be treated.
Privacy:
- Protect their privacy and do not talk about them outside of work.
- Avoid negative conversations about them.
- Talking about them outside of work may violate HIPAA regulations.
Client's Perspective:
- Recognize that each individual has unique strengths and deficits.
- Acknowledge the privilege and trust that families place in therapists.
- Be the person you wish your loved one had as their therapist.