Treat a person as a participant
Use respectful, person-centered language and follow applicable consent, assent, privacy and service requirements. A learning target does not erase a person’s dignity or justify humiliation. A technician who encounters resistance, distress or an unclear instruction should follow the approved process and obtain direction rather than inventing coercive conditions. In these exam examples, identify the specific right or professional boundary at issue instead of selecting whichever response appears fastest for staff.
Separate workplace disclosure from public posting
RBT Ethics Code 2.0, clause 2.09, prohibits sharing identifying client information on social media or websites. Client or caregiver consent is not an exception in that clause. A photograph can identify someone even when a name is absent. Confidential job-related communication is a different issue: clause 2.10 requires supervisor direction unless a valid legal allowance applies, and disclosure is limited to necessary information. Use approved systems and obtain guidance when uncertain; do not treat a supervisor question as permission to make a prohibited public post.
Notice relationship and representation risks
A relationship outside the service role can create competing obligations or pressure. Report a potential multiple relationship and follow the applicable guidance rather than hiding it or assuming it can always be managed alone. Gifts, public statements and representations of credentials also have specific ethical requirements. Consult the current BACB materials and supervisor for exact rules. This lesson does not supply a universal gift allowance or promise that a particular disclosure is lawful in every jurisdiction.
Work through an original boundary example
A technician is asked to post an identifying client progress story on a personal social account, even with caregiver consent. The RBT must not make that post: clause 2.09 prohibits identifying client information on social media or websites. Contrast a necessary job-related report, which follows the separate confidentiality and direction requirements. A second example involves an unfamiliar procedure learned only from a short description. Reading is not demonstrated competence. In both cases, identify the actual professional boundary rather than treating confidence, convenience or a general request for consent as permission.
A friend asks whether a named child is receiving services. What should the RBT do?
- Apply the relevant F.5 distinction: Confidential information is collected, used and disclosed only under applicable consent, law and authorized policy.
- Even confirming service status can disclose confidential information.
- The response is interpreted within the stated observation conditions and RBT role; do not add an unsupported universal conclusion.
Compare the other answer choices
The choice 'Confirm enrollment because the friend already guessed.' does not follow the specified observation or approved procedure. Even confirming service status can disclose confidential information.
The choice 'Share the child's schedule but not the diagnosis.' does not follow the specified observation or approved procedure. Even confirming service status can disclose confidential information.
The choice 'Show a record if the friend promises not to repeat it.' does not follow the specified observation or approved procedure. Even confirming service status can disclose confidential information.
Try it, then explain it.
Complete a short set without looking at the example. After each answer, explain which evidence or rule supports your decision and why the alternatives do not fit.
Sources & authorship
Original Slope explanations and examples. References support the concepts; they are not the source of copied questions. Independent educator review is pending.
RBT Test Content Outline3rd editionRegistered Behavior Technician official overviewRBT Ethics Code2.0