In most states, professionals who work directly with children or vulnerable adults, including RBTs, are mandated reporters. That means they’re legally required to report suspected abuse or neglect to the appropriate authority. Exact rules vary by state, so RBTs should confirm their specific obligations with their employer and state law.
Example
An RBT notices unexplained bruising on a client and the child says a caregiver caused it. As a mandated reporter, the RBT generally must report this to the proper authority, not just mention it to the supervisor and move on.
Key points
- Reporting is a legal duty: not just an ethical one, mandated reporting is required by state law in most jurisdictions.
- It doesn’t replace telling your supervisor: report to authorities as required by law, and also inform your supervisor, since both may be necessary.
- Reasonable suspicion is enough: reporters generally don’t need proof, only a reasonable basis for suspecting abuse or neglect.
- Check your state’s rules: who to report to, and the timeline for reporting, vary by state and employer policy.
Common mistake
Waiting for certainty before reporting. Mandated reporting laws generally require reporting suspicion, not confirmed fact.
Quick check
An RBT is unsure if what they observed counts as reportable. What’s the safest move? Report it and follow their state’s and employer’s process; when in doubt, it’s better to report.
Keep studying
RBT Ethics Code · Incident reports in ABA · RBT glossary
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