Ethics 2
BCBAs maintain high quality and detailed records
while in their absence another BCBA can oversee the case. Records meet all requirements of their employer's, the law, and other entities; also to maintain accountability and to have available for later review.
After attending a conference, a BCBA realizes an empirically validated intervention might work. She should
write the intervention into the plan as long as it is tailored to the individual. She may reference the presenter in the behavior plan
A family has cancelled every weekly session the behavior analyst has scheduled with her for 3 months. May the BCBA terminate the relationship
yes, with notification to the client
If you are a BCBA and another BCBA tells you of intentions to violate the code
you first try to resolve the issue with the BCBA and if a resolution is not achieved, the Board should be notified.
To gain consent from possible research participant the behavior analyst is obligated to
answer questions the participant has about the research
The BCBA reviews the written objectives with the client and they agree on them. Should the objectives be reviewed again
as needed, throughout the course of the professional relationship
Discuss confidentiality
at the outset of the relationship
When looking for feedback on supervision performance ensure to
avoid coercion, and to increase the level of participation, develop a way for supervisees to submit feedback anonymously.
When errors are found in research data
behavior analysts take steps to correct them even if the data have already been published.
When conducting work or advertising as a BA use only your
behavior analytic credentials. When advertising non-behavior- analytic practices you must include a disclaimer stating that those interventions are not covered by a BCBA credential
Supervisors provide trainings that are
behavior-analytic in nature, effective and ethically designed.
Records are one tool that may be used to determine the
best placement for a child, whether or not a BCBA has fulfilled his obligations, or whether an insurance company will pay for services.
A BCBA is using scheduled break, but she determines there are other rewards in the classroom that don't disrupt learning time and are equally effective. The teacher doesn't mind the student taking breaks. The BCBA should
change the reinforcer from breaks to item sin the classroom.
What should a BCBA consider when selecting treatment alternatives
consider effectiveness, cost and fidelity of implementation, and the absence of treatment when considering other interventions
After numerous empirically validated interventions have failed, a treatment team member recommends a non-empirically validated intervention that sounds reasonable. What should the BCBA do
consider proposing an evaluation of the procedure using a single subject design
Upon transiting a student the BCBA finds out that the previous BCBA had been running a behavior plan on child without obtaining parental consent. The BA should
contact the family to explain the entire situation, obtain consent if the family is willing, and review the plan for the incoming student as usual
BCBAs graphically display data so that
data-based decisions about treatment can be made.
A decrease in a risk/benefit ratio means
decreased risk, increase benefit or that the benefit of the changing procedure is larger than the risk
At the onset of supervision and in writing behavior analysts provide a
description of the purpose of supervision, requirements, and evaluation criteria in writing
When using aversive procedures it is advised to
determine a criterion for terminating the program should the data indicate a lack of efficacy
An uncooperative parent has been court-ordered to accept behavioral services. The BCBA should focus on
developing rapport and goals that the mother values and establishing criteria for termination of services
All clinical reviews should be
documented
A BCBA would like to present a poster using data collected recently on an intervention with a child. What steps need to be taken
eh needs to obtain consent and the childs name and other identifying info should be disguised
A behavior analyst wants to write a book and changing the details of the individual would obscure the reasons for including these case studies and would border on presenting falsified accounts. Current or former clients may
elect to give their consent, allowing the information to be published without being anonymized. Because Bas do not disclose details from their clinical experiences that would reveal a clients identify, even the unique details may need to be changed
In your practice, maintain documentation in a manner that would
enable another BCBA to pick up the case in your absence
A BCBA conducting research on working in naturalistic home settings with families should collect data on
events for which consent has been given and according to the approved research protocol
Contracts include
expectations for client and caregiver involvement, therefore if services have been provided in the home and are also going to be provided in the school a new contract should be written to clearly define the role of the BCBA and the roles of the school staff; would include what data collection and what you do with the data
A parents wants a reduction in ABA hours to purse alternative interventions. Data shows it has been successful thus far. The BCBA should
explain that research indicates that ABA services need to be intensive and advocate to continue current hours
Anyone who supported the research in a significant way is acknowledged in a
footnote at the beginning of the published article.
Testimonials for use in published materials should come from
former clients whom have receive your services
To ensure effective supervision practices, supervising BCBAs
have their own supervision evaluated
Testimonials should
identify the relationship between the author and the BCBA, indicate whether they are solicited or unsolicited, indicate that they come from former clients, and comply will all applicable laws
A BCBA is conducting research on group instructional designs. One teacher informs the BA that taking the data is too time intensive and doesn't want to do it. The BA should
accept her withdrawal, coercive means should not be used which influence teachers to stay involved.
Disseminating behavior analysis refers to
activities that result in more members of the general public knowing about and appreciating behavior analysis
A BA determines that a DRO and DRI and overcorrection procedure are all equally effective in reducing severe self-injury. The BA should select the
DRO or DRO procedure because reinforcement should be used when possible,
It is not uncommon for behavior analysts to check each others work especially when claims of critical importance are being made
If another BA asks to analyze your data, you should cooperate with the effort and provide the data
A BCBA took all appropriate measures to maintain confidentiality. However, due to circumstances beyond his control, confidentiality was breached. What should he do
Inform the affected clients of the breach and carry out corrective actions as needed.
A client is suddenly dangerously aggressing toward baby. The BCBA writes a plant that includes time-out for aggression, non-contingent parent attention every 10 minutes and parent attention when requested. Is this okay
Its okay to use punishment when the behavior is dangerous, and as long as the plan includes reinforcement fo an alternative behavior
A client with a history of attention-maintained aggression that had been eliminated has just began head hitting. Can you assume that the head hitting is also attention maintained
NO, a FBA should be conducted for all challenging behaviors, especially newly emerging, reemerging, and dangerous behaviors. If FBA is unclear, medical factors should be ruled out.
A researching conducting a study shares the individual data labeled by staff initials and agency name. Is this adequate protection of confidentiality
No, in research publications identifying info of participants should be disguised including the facility they work
A child begins exhibiting aggression. His file contains a signed general consent form that allows for assessment of problem behaviors. Does the school need a new signed consent form before conducting an FA
Parental or surrogate consent must be obtained for all assessment procedures, a general consent form is invalid because the reason for the assessment and expected outcome should be explained to the parents.
A parent asks you develop an intervention based on one written by a cognitive psychologist. The producers are consistent with behavioral strategies, but they are described in mentalistic terms you should
adopt the language of the cognitive psychologist if that language makes the client receptive to the intervention.
The BCBA sends a boy to a chair for time when he is disruptive. He can still engage with his peers. So the teacher put him in the hall. Should she obtain consent from the parent
Yes this is a change from inclusionary to exclusionary timeout; this change involves using a more restrictive procedure
In a BCBAs contract it specifies issues such as private accommodations, time off, and coverage of travel expenses including expenses that are not covered. Is this acceptable
Yes, as long as the parameter and goals of such involvement are specified (although this could pose a risk, the delineation fo the parameters described would help to mitigate the risk)
When asked to receive an instructional program from a person in another angecy. You refuse. Is this correct
Yes, but it is in the best interest of the clients for the info to be shared with supervisors as long as appropriate consent is obtained
When giving a tour the director sees a child in the hall and states he used to have high rates of self-injury but his rates are down. What do you think about this
identifying information must be disguised before public dissemination. IT is wrong to share identifying info to anyone unrelated to treatment
Before asking a supervisee to perform a new task, the supervising BCBA should determine
if the supervisee has the skills to perform that task competently, ethically and safely
When transporting records or data in our car, these records can be stored
in a locked container where the files are out of sight.
How do you display behavioral assessment that you share with a client. Data are displayed
in a manner that the person can understand
Supervisors should document the feedback they give
in a timely manner and in a way that improves supervisee performance
When using aversive procedures, BCBAs
include a plan to stop use of the procedure when it is no longer needed, BA's need to employ a very high performance standard for training, implementation, and supervision related to the procedure.
Information that must be given to a research participant in order to obtain their consent
includes the expected benefits and potential risks of participation in lay language
A BCBA sends out a monthly newsletter with a witty general info an advice to his clients and hopes for it to be forwarded to potential clients
it is acceptable to give general info and it is an acceptable way to solicit business because it is forwarded by his clients to their contacts and does not involve in-person solicitation of services
The most desirable risk/benefit ratio is
low/high
A BCBA hosts a parenting workshop to grow her clientele. She explains to the attendees they should always seek professional help from qualified BCBA with unwanted behavior. This is
misleading and unethical. If a BCBA is soliciting her services advertisements must be identified ,especially if this is not obvious from the context of the presentation
Written consent
must be obtained prior to conducting a behavioral assessment and implementation of a behavior program
A BA has recently compiled some of his research that includes descriptions of his previously published results in the program materials he
must include references to these publications.
Providing an explanation of a procedure in terms the participant will understand is
necessary to gain truly informed consent from the participant
Carrying past paperwork or paperwork from other cases increases the risk of a confidentiality breech. Only carry documents
needed for that visit.
There should be no conditions of withdrawal as continuation in treatment is
never mandatory, withdrawing consent does not have to be requested. IT is a clients right to give or withdraw consent, and refusal of treatment should never result in penalty.
A BA recently advertised her practice in a local newspaper. Her classified ad does not specify that she has paid the newspaper to run it. Is this necessary
no because it is understood that classified ads are paid ads, however if it is not apparent from the context that an ad is a paid ad, the BA must identify it as that.
Voluntariness requires that
no one was coerced into providing consent
In advertisements BCBAs are encouraged to use
objective data, descriptions of evidence-based services provided, and qualifications of staff, as allowed by applicable laws.
The data indicate that a child is no longer showing improvement for one of his objectives, and the BCBA feels as though this objective is no longer relevant. The BCBA should
obtain consent before making changes to the program. If the objectives are no longer relevant, the BCBA should work with the client to write new objectives.
Before conducting a behavioral assessment
obtain written consent from the client/clients surrogate for the procedure
Unless required to by law, disclose confidential infor only after you've
obtained written consent from the clients/ clients surrogate
In a therapeutic relation, inform the client as soon as is feasible
of the anticipated course therapy or objectives, involvement of third parties, your fees, and limits of confidentiality.
A BCBA is disposing records of clients from over 10 years ago. Which of the following answers conveys appropriate safeguards
privacy must be assured, and disposal of records can leave no opportunities for identifying info. Shredding would be the best option here.
Disclose info without consent as mandated lay or where permitted for purposes such as
providing, needed services, obtaining appropriate professional consolations, protecting the individual or others from actual harm, and to receive payment for those services.
When funding circumstances change, the BA should meet with the client to
re-evaluate the clients financial responsibility and limits of service due to funding
Prior to implementing a behavior change program clearly explain to clients
realistic expectations, empirical support for intervention options and their option to discontinue treatment
By virtue of their expertise in human behavior, behavior analysts can be persuasive in interpersonal situations. Since it can be easy to take advantage of vulnerable people in challenging situations BA's are not allowed to engage in
uninvited in-person solicitation of business with such individuals
On an online forum on behavior analysis a caregiver gave an unsolicited testimonial about the work done for them "If your child has autism, you can is his future goodbye unless he gets to be one of Dr. Kidding kiddos." The Dr. Kidding should
removing misinformation and threatening sanction for future violations is a common approach, but it is also punitive. You could add an explanation next to the testimonial clarifying that progress is achieved on an individual basis.
A consent form should include the
risks and benefits of proposed and viable alternative procedures, procedures that are more aversive than the proposed intervention, the prerogative of the consumer to withdraw consent
A toilet trained sibling of a client begins bed wetting. The parents ask the BCBA for an intervention. You would suggest
rule out medical causes before seeking behavioral treatment, after that if parents choose to pursue a behavioral treatment they must adjust the professional relationship accordingly
A strategy for developing a program that is going to be implemented with support from caregivers is to
share observations discuss goals, and objective, and review treatment options from the beginning with caregiver
A BCBA offers clients a contract specifying the parameters of professional services. It should contain
specific information on all the fees and fee policies, expectations for client involvement and communication
BCBA's are required to report all
suspected abuse.. It is not their responsibility to investigate whether abuse occurred. BCBAs are obligated to report suspected abuse for their own clients as well as others.
Using behavior change strategies that are NOT scientifically validated
takes time and resources away from treatments that have been shown to be effective.
Client consent is not required to
terminate services with a client, consent is required for all interventions
A BCBA begins working with a new client and immediately employs a treatment for food refusal that involves escape extinction. Why is this inappropriate
the behavior may have a medical basis, a functional assessment has not been conducted, and less invasive procedures have not been attempted
With regards to disposal of 10-12 year old records
the code specifies that you retain records for at least seven years, and in accordance with all applicable laws, and regulations and organizational policies. Some laws or policies may require that you retain records for a greater length of time.
The testing data of two participants in a research project are suspect due to possible cheating. The removal of these data alters the conclusions that can be drawn
the dilemma of whether or not to influence the suspect data could have been avoided by first establishing rules for discarding suspect data- since that wasn't done, the next best thing would be to consult with outside qualified researchers
Information that must be given to a research participant in order to obtain their consent includes notification that
the participant may decline or withdraw participation at any time. Also, this info must be written in non-technical language (lay terms)
It is the responsibility of the BA to ensure that, before providing consent, the clients surrogate understands
the procedure, who will participate, and how the results will be used.
Extinction for attention-maintained face-slapping can be ethically questionable because
the risk of injury from an extinction burst may be greater than the risk of injury from continued face-slapping
A teacher wants to use extinction in a relatively safe environment of a parking lot for eloping into traffic behavior. Her supervisor believes it is unwise because
the risk/benefit ratio is to great
When considering a punishment procedure, the BCBA considers
the undesirable effects of punishment and whether or not those affects would be considered acceptable; the typical delay in effect associated with a less intrusive intervention
Before asking for consent, participants should be told of factors that may affect
their willingness to participate, such as the use of aversive procedures, the amount of time commitment required, or the distance they are expected to travel
A BCBA should store her clients records
they are required to store confidential info about clients to be kept under multiple locks with specific requirements regarding who may have access to the key
As soon as feasible, in a therapeutic relationship, a BCBA should come
to an agreement with clients about the objectives to be achieved and document them in writing
Document professional and scientific work
to meet the expectation of the law and ensure accountability. BCBAs are accountable to show what methods were used, why they were chosen, and the data that monitored the effects.
When more than one intervention is feasible, the BCBA should consider several factors such as
treatment history, efficiency, cost-effectiveness, risks, side-effects, caregiver/client/teacher preference, staff availability
If someone requests your data for the purpose of creating a product or service
whether to provide those data or not is your decision