E-3 Responsibility to clients and interested parties

The BACB Code of Ethics for Behavior Analysts (RBTs) establishes guidelines for RBTs to provide services to clients in an ethical and responsible manner. These guidelines focus on client rights, confidentiality, competency, and liability.

Synopsis of each point

3.01 Responsibility to clients

• RBTs put the care and well-being of the client before anything else.

• RBTs protect customers' rights.

• RBTs maximize benefits for customers.

• RBTs avoid harming customers.

3.02 Identification of interested parties

• RBTs identify stakeholders when providing services.

• RBTs communicate relative obligations with each interested party at the beginning of the professional relationship.

3.03 Customer acceptance

• RBTs only accept clients whose requested services fall within their identified scope of competence and available resources.

3.04 Service Agreement

• RBTs have a written service agreement with the client and/or interested parties.

• The service agreement describes the responsibilities of all parties.

• The service agreement includes a plan for discontinuation of services.

3.05 Financial agreements

• RBTs document the billing and compensation practices agreed upon with their clients.

• RBTs only provide pro-bono or exchange services in accordance with a specific service agreement.

3.06 Consultations with other suppliers

• RBTs make appropriate consultations and decisions with other specialists or service providers.

3.07 Service contracts with third parties

• RBTs clarify the nature of the relationship with each party.

• RBTs evaluate any potential conflicts before initiating services.

• RBTs document all measures taken in case of conflict.

3.08 Responsibility to the client with service contracts with third parties

• RBTs put the care and well-being of the client before anything else.

• RBTs resolve conflicts with third parties in the best interest of the client.

3.09 Communication with interested parties about services contracted to third parties

• The RBTs communicate to the client and/or interested parties about the services contracted from third parties.

3.10 Limitations of confidentiality

• RBTs inform the client and/or interested parties of the limitations of confidentiality.

3.11 Documentation of professional activity

• RBTs document their professional activities in a detailed and accurate manner.

3.12 Defense of appropriate services

• RBTs educate clients and stakeholders about the benefits of behavioral therapy.

• RBTs advocate for the resources necessary to provide high-quality behavioral services.

3.13 Derivations

• RBTs refer clients to other providers when necessary.

• RBTs are transparent with the client and stakeholders about their reasons for making a referral.

3.14 Facilitate continuity of services

• RBTs take measures to avoid interruption of services.

• RBTs communicate to interested parties about service interruptions.

3.15 Appropriate interruption of services

• RBTs interrupt services only when necessary.

• RBTs provide a written plan for discontinuation of services.

3.16 Appropriate transition of services

• RBTs work with the client and other providers to develop a transition plan.

• RBTs take steps to minimize service disruptions during the transition.

Conclusion

The BACB Code of Ethics for RBTs establishes guidelines for RBTs to provide services to clients in an ethical and responsible manner. These guidelines focus on client rights, confidentiality, competency, and liability. By following these guidelines, RBTs can help ensure that clients receive high-quality services that are beneficial and respectful of their rights.