Who is liable for an ethical breach by an RBT in a clinic?

• A. RBTs are supervised by BCBAs. BCBAs are exclusively responsible for the conduct of their supervisees.
• B. RBTs are responsible for their own ethical conduct. The RBT is liable.
• C. There is no ethical concern here.
• D. As long as the RBT follows clinic policy, there is no liability.

Answer: (B)

Ethical accountability rests with the individual practitioner. Even though RBTs work under supervision, each RBT is expected to follow the BACB Ethics Code and make ethical choices in every session. When an ethical breach occurs, the liability sits with the RBT because they are the one directly executing the actions and decisions that violate ethical standards. Clinic policies and supervision shape how work is done, but they do not shield the RBT from consequences for ethical violations. Supervisors have a duty to provide appropriate oversight and address issues, and they can be involved if supervision was negligent, but the primary responsibility for an ethical breach lies with the RBT.