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Behavior Analyst Certification Board - Professional and ethical compliance code for behavior analysts

Nov 03, 2021

Summary

In this sweeping and detailed document a large number of ethical dilemmas are considered, ranging from the correct use of scientific evidence, responsibilities to clients, responsibilities as supervisors of other behaviour analysts, public statements, and more. The document is atypical in that there is no set of core principles described to guide the specific recommendations. The recommendations, though, are consistent with other documents that prioritize integrity, informed consent, and professionalization including fiduciary duty to the client (that is, the client's interests must prevail over the provider's self-interest). There is a section on research ethics that will be considered separately below.
According to these principles, behavior analysts are expected to rely on scientific evidence and remain within the domain of their competence. There are detailed statements regarding their responsibility of clients, which include avoidance of conflict of interests, avoidance of exploitative relationships, and services "based principally on the best interests of their clients, with appropriate consent, and subject to other relevant considerations,including applicable law and contractual obligations" (BACB, 2014:6). Clients have "the right to effective treatment." Client records are confidential and never disclosed without due permission. Behavior analysts are expected to take the least restrictive measures possible, and finally, to respect intellectual property.

Content

(Heavily edited with most salient points extracted)

Integrity

rely on professionally derived knowledge based on science and behavior analysis
provide services, teach, and conduct research only within the boundaries of their competence
truthful and honest, anddo not implement contingencies that would cause others to engage in fraudulent,illegal, or unethical conduct

Client Rights

use language that is fully understandable to the recipient of those services
do not engage in discrimination against individuals or groups
avoid multiple relationships
services based principally on the best interests of their clients, with appropriate consent
multiple or third parties: clarify, to the extent feasible and at the outset of the service, the nature of the relationship with each party and any potential conflicts.
put the client's care above all others; resolve conflicts in the best interest of the client
behavior analysts have a primary obligation and take reasonable precautions to protect the confidentiality of those with whom they work or consult
clients have a right to effective treatment (i.e., based on the research literature and adapted to the individual client)
behavior analysts always have the obligation to advocate for and educate the client about scientifically supported, most-effective treatment procedures.

Practice and Recommendations

fee practices are consistent with law and behavior analysts do not misrepresent their fees
no money, gifts, or other enticements for any professional referrals
do not abandon clients and supervisees; facilitate timely transfer of responsibility to another provider
must tailor behavior-change programs to the unique behaviors, environmental variables, assessment results, and goals of each client.
do not plagiarize other professionals' behavior-change programs
must obtain the client's written approval of the behavior-change program
recommend reinforcement rather than punishment whenever possible
always recommend the least restrictive procedures likely to be effective

Force:yes