What is the guidance on self-reporting to the BACB®? This might show up on the exam, and it definitely matters in practice so best to be well versed.
WHO: If you’re a BCBA®, BCaBA®, or RBT®, you agreed to follow the applicable ethics code and certification handbook. The codes and handbooks include information about your obligation to self-report certain things to the BACB.
WHAT: For BCBAs and BCaBAs, your obligations are outlined in standard 1.16 of the ethics code for behavior analysts. RBTs, yours is in 3.04 of the RBT ethics code. The specifics of what you have to report are actually outlined in the handbook for each certification level. The most straightforward that you need to self-report include changes to personal information like your name, address, phone number, and importantly, your email address, because the BACB needs to be able to get ahold of you. Anytime there’s a lapse in meeting BACB supervision requirements, that has to be reported as well. For RBTs specifically, you have to report any changes to your supervisor.
There are also several categories of critical events that must be self-reported, and there are too many to list so be sure to read the ethics and self-reporting section of the handbooks to prep for the exam. But here is a quick list of some of the general things that need to be self-reported.
- Violations of one or more standard, physical and mental conditions.
- Substance abuse disorders, under certain circumstances. For example, any that have occurred within the past three years and for which you don’t have an active, effective care plan.
- Certain investigations and audits, like a work related investigation that is related to possible ethics violation, or billing audits that are tied to specific dollar amounts.
- Certain agreements and actions, like a termination related to an ethics violation. So, think legal charges, convictions, or disciplinary actions.
WHEN: Timing really matters when it comes to self-reporting. But exactly when to self-report depends. According to the handbooks, most things should be reported within 30 days of the incident occurring, or within 30 days of you becoming aware of the incident. For a few other events, the handbooks says you need to report in a timely manner. That might feel a bit tricky, but really it just means as soon as it’s really reasonably possible, which will depend on specific circumstances.
HOW: The BACB has made self-reporting available through a submission form on the BACB’s ethics web page. You can also find helpful information to guide you through this process. Supervisors are expected to support RBTs with this process if they need to self-report.
Key takeaways:
- WHO: BACB certificants.
- WHAT: Things like changes to personal information, issues with supervision requirements, legal disciplinary, credentialing issues.
- WHEN: Within 30 days, usually.
- HOW: The BACB online form.
Grab a copy of the handbooks and review the ethics and self-reporting sections along with the related ethics standards to best prepare for the exam and for real life practice.