ABAT Ethics and Professional Conduct 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A BCBA discovers that a colleague is using punishment procedures without proper authorization. According to the BACB Ethics Code, what is the BCBA's primary obligation?
- Ignore it to avoid conflict with a colleague
- Report the concern through appropriate channels (Correct answer)
- Immediately terminate the colleague's employment
- Inform the client's family but take no further action
Correct answer: Report the concern through appropriate channels
The BACB Ethics Code requires behavior analysts to report ethical violations through appropriate channels, including the BACB if necessary, to protect client welfare.
Question 2: Which of the following best describes a 'conflict of interest' in ABA practice under the BACB Ethics Code?
- Disagreeing with a client's treatment goals
- A personal or financial interest that could improperly influence professional judgment (Correct answer)
- Having more than one client at the same facility
- Providing services in a client's natural environment
Correct answer: A personal or financial interest that could improperly influence professional judgment
A conflict of interest occurs when a personal, financial, or other interest could compromise or appear to compromise the behavior analyst's objectivity and professional judgment.
Question 3: Under the BACB Ethics Code, when may a behavior analyst accept gifts from clients?
- Gifts of any value are always acceptable if the client offers them freely
- Only gifts valued under $10 are permitted with no exceptions
- Gifts should generally be declined; behavior analysts must use professional judgment regarding exceptions (Correct answer)
- Gifts are acceptable if documented in the treatment plan
Correct answer: Gifts should generally be declined; behavior analysts must use professional judgment regarding exceptions
The Ethics Code discourages accepting gifts to maintain professional boundaries, and behavior analysts must use sound judgment to avoid exploitation or the appearance of impropriety.
Question 4: A BCBA is asked to provide testimony as an expert witness in a legal case involving a former client. Which ethical requirement applies?
- Expert testimony is prohibited under the BACB Ethics Code
- The BCBA must provide honest, evidence-based testimony and not misrepresent their qualifications (Correct answer)
- The BCBA may advocate for whichever side hired them
- Expert witness roles require surrendering one's BCBA certification temporarily
Correct answer: The BCBA must provide honest, evidence-based testimony and not misrepresent their qualifications
Behavior analysts serving as expert witnesses must provide truthful, objective, evidence-based testimony and accurately represent their professional qualifications.
Question 5: What does the BACB Ethics Code require when a behavior analyst must withdraw services from a client?
- Services can be ended immediately without notice if the client is non-compliant
- The analyst must provide notice, assist with transition planning, and refer to other providers when possible (Correct answer)
- Written approval from the BACB is required before any service termination
- Only supervisors may terminate services; line staff have no role in this decision
Correct answer: The analyst must provide notice, assist with transition planning, and refer to other providers when possible
Ethical service termination requires appropriate notice and transition support to minimize harm and ensure clients can access continued care.
Question 6: A BCBA is approached by a pharmaceutical company offering payment to recommend their medication to clients. What is the ethical response?
- Accept if the medication has published research support
- Decline; accepting payment for referrals creates a conflict of interest (Correct answer)
- Accept as long as the payment is disclosed to clients
- Seek BACB approval before deciding
Correct answer: Decline; accepting payment for referrals creates a conflict of interest
Accepting payment for referrals or product recommendations creates a financial conflict of interest that compromises professional integrity under the BACB Ethics Code.
Question 7: Under the BACB Ethics Code, what is required before a behavior analyst can use a client's data or case information for research or publication?
- Verbal consent from the caregiver is sufficient
- Informed written consent and IRB approval as applicable, with client data de-identified (Correct answer)
- BACB approval for each publication is required
- Only supervisors need to approve the use of client data for research
Correct answer: Informed written consent and IRB approval as applicable, with client data de-identified
Using client information for research or publication requires informed consent, appropriate IRB review, and de-identification to protect client confidentiality.
ABAT Ethics and Professional Conduct 2
A BCBA discovers that a colleague is using punishment procedures without proper authorization.
According to the BACB Ethics Code, what is the BCBA's primary obligation?