BACB Ethics Code 2.0

Responsibility to Clients

operate in best interest of client

client may be: individual, parent/guardian, organizational representative, public, private firm organization or company

2.01

Accepting New Clients

Can only accept clients within scope of training/expertise

If not possible, you must function under supervision/consultation of a BCBA with this expertise

2.02

Responsibility

Responsibility is to: all parties affected by your services

if multiples parties: establish hierarchy, communicate this from the beginning

Always identify primary beneficiary of services, advocate for their best interest

2.03

Consultation

a: appropriate consult based on best interests w/consent, subject so applicable laws and obligations

b: where appropriate, cooperate with other professionals to effectively serve the client

2.04

Third-Party Involvement in Services

a: when 3rd part involved, clarify nature of relationship and potential conflicts 

b: if foreseeable risk of conflicting roles, BA clarifies roles and resolves according to Code

c: minor or protected pop.: parent or surrogate informed of scope of services and rights

d:clients care above all others- if 3rd party conflict, resolve, or terminate service with best interest of client in mind.

2.05 

Rights and Prerogatives of Clients

2.06 

Maintaining Confidentiality

a: primary obligation to take reasonable precaution to protect the confidentiality of those with whom they work or consult

b: discuss this at outset of relationship

c:only include necessary information in oral, written and electronic correspondence

d: discussion of confidential information only occurs for appropriate scientific/professional purposes and only with those concerned with the matter

e: do not share or create situations in which sharing is likely of any confidential information

2.07

Maintaining Records

a: maintain appropriate confidentiality when: creating, storing, accessing, transferring and disposing of records; written electronic or any other medium

b: maintain and dispose of records in accordance with applicable laws and compliance with the Code

2.08

Disclosures

Cannot disclose confidential information unless mandated by law or when permitted by law for a valid purpose

example: to provide needed professional services to client

Parameters for consent for disclosure should be obtained at beginning of relationship

2.09 

Treatment/Intervention Efficacy

Clients have the right to effective treatment

Analysts have the responsibility to advocate for appropriate amount and level of service 

If more than one scientifically supported treatment is suggested: additional factors such as cost and effectiveness may be considered

Analysts review and appraise effects of any treatment that may impact goals of behavior change programming

2.10 

Documenting Professional Work and Research

a: Analysts appropriate document work to facilitate provision of services later, ensure accountability, meet requirements of company/law

b: responsible for creating/maintaining documentation in detail that is consistent with best practices and law

2.11 

Records and Data

a: create, maintain, disseminate, store, retain and dispose of records and data relating to research and practice in accordance with laws, and other organizational regulations

b:Must retain records and data for at least seven years and as otherwise required by law

2.12 

Contracts, Fees and Financial Arrangements

a: before services begin a signed contract should be in place outlining responsibilities, scope of services, obligations under the Code

b: As early as is feasible, reach agreement with client on financial arrangement

c: fee practices should be consistent with the law, do not misrepresent fees. If limitations are anticipated because of limitations in funding, this should be discussed as early as is feasible

d: if funding circumstances change, resist financial responsibilities/limits with client

2.13 

Accuracy in Billing Reports

2.14

Referrals and Fees

2.15

Interrupting or Discontinuing Services

a; act in best interest of client to avoid disruption of service

b: reasonable effort in facilitating continuing services if unplanned interruption occurs

c: consideration of the welfare of beneficiary of services considered first when terminating employment/contract

d: discontinuation happens only after transition efforts have been made 1- services no longer needed. 2- not benefitting. 3- being harmed by service. 4- client requests to discontinue

e: Do not abandon clients or supervisees 

FK-19

unconditioned punishment

Presentation as punishment functions as punishment without having been paired with any other punisher.

Example: painful stimulation, bad taste

FK-20

Conditioned Punishment

Stimulus change functions as a punisher due to stimulus pairing with a punisher

Example: a noise paired with a shock, noise will produce same punishing effect.

note: just the tone alone will fade in effectiveness as punisher with time

FK-21 

Schedules of

Reinforcement/Punishment

contingency of reinforcement

environment arrangements in determine conditions in which behaviors will produce reinforcement

Example: student receives a token for every correct response (FR1 Schedule)

FK-21 Cont'd

Schedule of

Reinforcement/Punishment

Basic Intermittent Schedules of Reinforcement:

Fixed Ratio

Variable Ratio

Fixed Interval

Variable Interval

Differential Reinforcements of Rates of Responding:

high/low rates

diminishing rates

other behavior

Compound Schedules:

combine elements of above, continuous reinforcement and extinction to develop compound schedules

-concurrent        - multiple

    -mixed               - alternative 

    -chained             -conjunctive

FK-22

Extinction

Reinforcement of a previously reinforced behavior is discontinued

Example: student previously reinforced with teacher attention for out of seat behavior now does not receive teacher attention

FK-23

Automatic Reinforcement

behavior reinforcement relation that occurs without the presentation of consequences by other people

Example: Client engages in finger tapping, this is automatically reinforced most likely by the fact that it feels good to the client

FK-23

Automatic Punishment

Automatic punishment occurs independent of social mediation from others.