Ethics and Professional Conduct Flashcards

A BCBA working in a school setting is asked by a teacher to share a student's confidential behavioral data with another staff member who is not part of the treatment team. What should the BCBA do?

Answer: Decline unless proper consent or a legitimate need-to-know is established

Confidentiality requires that client information only be shared with those who have informed consent or a documented, legitimate need-to-know basis for receiving it.

Which of the following is an example of practicing outside one's scope of competence?

Answer: Conducting a functional behavior assessment for anxiety without adequate training in that area

Scope of competence requires that behavior analysts only provide services for which they have adequate education, training, and supervised experience.

A parent requests that a BCBA provide ABA services to their child but also asks the BCBA to serve as a personal life coach for the parent. What ethical issue does this present?

Answer: A multiple relationship that could impair objectivity and professional judgment

Multiple relationships, where a behavior analyst serves in more than one professional or personal role with a client or client family member, can impair objectivity and must be avoided.

How should a BCBA respond when a client's legal guardian refuses a recommended intervention that is evidence-based and in the client's best interest?

Answer: Respect the guardian's decision, document it, and explore alternatives within an ethical framework

Respect for client autonomy and guardian rights requires honoring refusals while ensuring the guardian is fully informed and documenting the decision appropriately.

Which statement best reflects the BACB's position on using social media in professional practice?

Answer: Behavior analysts must maintain professional standards and protect client confidentiality in all online activity

The BACB Ethics Code extends professional conduct obligations to all communications including social media, requiring confidentiality and professional behavior online.

A BCBA learns that an RBT they supervise has been falsifying session notes. What is the BCBA's ethical obligation?

Answer: Address the issue directly, report it per organizational and BACB procedures, and take corrective action

Supervisors are ethically obligated to address supervisee misconduct, document it appropriately, and report it through the proper channels including the BACB when warranted.

Under the BACB Ethics Code, what must a behavior analyst do when they become aware that their own personal problems are interfering with professional competence?

Answer: Seek consultation, supervision, or limit their professional activities until the issues are resolved

Behavior analysts must recognize when personal difficulties impair their professional effectiveness and take corrective action, such as seeking consultation or temporarily reducing caseload.