Chapter 5 of 913% of exam

Ethical and Professional Issues

Domain E is built on the BACB Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts, in force since January 1, 2022, which replaced the earlier Professional and Ethical Compliance Code. Items are scenarios that ask for the action the Code requires; learn the specific standards, including the few that carry numbers.

Core principles and responsibility as a professional

The Code rests on four core principles and six sections of standards. Section 1 covers truthfulness, competence, bias, and relationships that create conflicts of interest. The numbered standards are applied in light of the core principles.

Four core principles
Benefit others; treat others with compassion, dignity and respect; behave with integrity; ensure their competence.
BACB Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts, Core Principles
Scope of competence
Practice only within your competence; enter new areas only after documented study, training, supervised experience or consultation, otherwise refer.
BACB Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts, Code 1.05
Multiple relationships
Avoid them; if one arises, resolve it, and where that is not immediately possible, put safeguards in place and document.
BACB Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts, Code 1.11
Gifts
No gifts given to or accepted from clients, stakeholders, supervisees or trainees worth more than $10 US; tell clients at the start.
BACB Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts, Code 1.12
Romantic relationships
None with current clients, stakeholders, supervisees or trainees; at least two years after the end of the professional relationship with former clients or stakeholders; at least six months after a past romantic relationship before accepting that person as a supervisee or trainee.
BACB Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts, Code 1.14

Responsibility in practice

Section 2 governs confidentiality, billing, consent and how interventions are chosen, including limits on restrictive or punishment-based procedures. Several standards require documentation of what was done and why. Many scenarios turn on doing these steps before, not after, acting.

Disclosing confidential information
Only with informed consent, to protect from harm, to resolve contractual issues, to prevent a crime likely to cause harm, or when compelled by law.
BACB Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts, Code 2.04
Accurate billing
Do not bill nonbehavioral services under behavioral authorizations; inform parties of errors, correct them and document.
BACB Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts, Code 2.06
Informed consent
Required before assessments and interventions, when making substantial changes, and when releasing records; obtain assent when applicable.
BACB Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts, Code 2.11
Medical needs
Ensure medical variables are assessed when they may influence behavior; document referrals and follow up.
BACB Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts, Code 2.12
Restrictive procedures
Only after less intrusive means have not worked, or when the risk of harm from the behavior outweighs the procedure's risk, with required reviews.
BACB Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts, Code 2.15

Clients, stakeholders and public statements

Sections 3 and 5 cover service agreements, referrals, discontinuation and how behavior analysts present themselves and their clients in public. Service agreements must describe the scope of services and how complaints can be made. Many standards also require reasonable efforts to remediate when an employer breaks them.

Referrals
Include multiple providers when available and disclose any relationships, fees or incentives.
BACB Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts, Code 3.13
Discontinuing services
Give a written discharge plan, document its acknowledgment and review it throughout discharge.
BACB Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts, Code 3.15
Testimonials
Do not solicit testimonials from current clients or stakeholders for advertising.
BACB Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts, Code 5.07
Social media
No client content on personal accounts; on professional accounts only with informed consent and a disclaimer.
BACB Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts, Code 5.10
Nonbehavioral services
Must carry the disclaimer that they are not behavioral in nature and not covered by BACB certification.
BACB Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts, Code 5.06

Addressing misconduct

The Code's introduction sets out how to handle concerns about others and a structured decision-making process. Serious risk to clients changes the order of steps. Lack of awareness of a standard is not a defense.

Address directly when safe
Raise concerns with the person directly when that seems likely to resolve the issue without undue risk.
BACB Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts, Application of the Code
Immediate harm first
Criminal activity or behavior that puts clients at risk of direct and immediate harm is reported to relevant authorities before the BACB or a licensure board.
BACB Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts, Application of the Code
Document
Document the steps taken and the outcomes when addressing possible violations.
BACB Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts, Application of the Code

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