F.1 · Ethics

Core principles of RBT ethics

Explore how dignity, rights and integrity apply to everyday service decisions. Examples focus on private care conversations and honest records, with attention to authorized responsibilities and demonstrated competence.

Task F.1: Apply core principles underlying the RBT ethics code

The rule

Protect dignity in everyday service decisions: keep sensitive conversations private, respect the learner’s rights and document services honestly.

Ask how the action affects the learner’s experience and the people relying on the record. The examples focus on privacy in conversation and honesty about delivered services.

Key terms

Dignity: Respecting a person’s privacy, choices and humanity in everyday service decisions.

What to look for

Distinction	Look for	How to decide
Benefit and dignity	The learner’s experience and immediate needs	Use respectful, individualized conduct.
Integrity and role	Accurate records and authorized responsibilities	Keep records truthful and work within your demonstrated competence.
Rights and respect	Privacy, preferences and protection from harm	Raise concerns and follow required protective processes.

Worked examples

Dignity

Move the conversation

At pickup, two staff members begin describing a learner’s toileting accident in a crowded hallway. Other families are within earshot. The RBT needs to pass relevant care information to an authorized caregiver.

Relevant facts

The information is sensitive.
The hallway audience does not need it.

Move the necessary discussion to an appropriate private setting.

Relevant care information → authorized recipient → private conversation

Move the discussion to an appropriate private setting. Use neutral language and share the information needed for the caregiver’s authorized purpose.

Integrity

Record the service that occurred

A colleague asks the RBT to mark a missed teaching block as completed because “the total should look normal.” The RBT knows the block did not occur.

Relevant facts

The requested entry would describe an undelivered service.
An accurate record can identify the missed block.

Record what occurred and raise the request through the appropriate supervisory channel.

Missed teaching block → accurate record of the missed service

A reassuring-looking record can conceal a service gap. Integrity protects the learner and the people relying on the record.

What changes the answer?

Keep a need to share sensitive information; change the setting.

An authorized caregiver needs a relevant update.

A private discussion is available.

Share the necessary update there.

The audience and setting support privacy.

Uninvolved families are listening in the hallway.

Relocate before sharing sensitive details.

Use an authorized private setting to share the information needed for care.

Respect includes how and where necessary care communication occurs.

Remember

Treat the learner as a person whose privacy and experience matter.
Honest records and clear role boundaries are part of care.

Sources for this topic

Reviewed 2026-09-30 · F.1 version 3.