How and When to Report an Ethics Violation

The BACB Ethics Code requires that behavior analysts and RBTs report suspected ethics violations by other certificants when those violations could cause harm. This includes violations by your own supervisor, your peers, or yourself. Silence in the face of harm is itself a violation.

The Escalation Ladder

The BACB expects you to start at the lowest reasonable level and escalate only when needed:

  1. Direct conversation: If safe and appropriate, raise the concern directly with the person. Many issues are misunderstandings that can be resolved at this level.
  2. Supervisor: Raise the concern with your BCBA supervisor (if the supervisor is not the subject of the concern).
  3. Agency compliance: Report internally to the agency's compliance officer, HR, or executive leadership.
  4. BACB Notice of Alleged Violation: File a formal complaint with the BACB via the Notice of Alleged Violation process.
  5. Law enforcement / state licensing: If the violation involves illegal conduct (billing fraud, abuse, theft), report to the appropriate authorities. This is non-optional for criminal matters.

When to Skip Internal Steps

You may skip lower levels and go straight to the BACB or law enforcement when: (1) the lower levels are part of the problem (the supervisor IS the violator and reports up the chain are likely to be suppressed), (2) immediate harm is occurring, or (3) the violation involves illegal activity.

Whistleblower Protections

The BACB Ethics Code explicitly prohibits retaliation against people who file reports in good faith. Federal and state whistleblower laws additionally protect reporters of illegal conduct. Retaliation by an agency is grounds for additional ethics violations against the retaliator.

What to Document

Before reporting, document: (1) what you observed with dates and times, (2) any direct witnesses, (3) what you said to whom and when, (4) the response you received. A detailed timeline protects you and the integrity of the process.

If You're the One Being Reported

Cooperate fully with the BACB investigation. Do not retaliate. Engage qualified legal counsel familiar with professional licensing matters. The fastest path through an investigation is honesty and accountability.