Ethical & Professional Issues

The Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts (2022) is organized into four core sections. Below is a summary of the key themes and responsibilities from each. 

Ethical conduct is not only a regulatory requirement but also a professional commitment to client dignity, safety, and effective treatment. The Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts (2022) outlines key expectations, but ethical challenges often arise in complex, real-world situations requiring critical thinking and decision-making.

Key Considerations:

1. Maintaining Professional Boundaries
   Behavior analysts must avoid dual relationships and conflicts of interest that can impair professional judgment.
   Example: Declining a client's request to attend a family event outside of therapy hours.
   
   

2. Protecting Confidentiality
   Client data must be secured, and only shared with consent or when legally mandated.
   Example: Using client initials on data sheets and discussing case details only with authorized parties.
   
   

3. Informed Consent
   Ensuring clients or guardians understand proposed interventions, risks, and alternatives.
   Example: Clearly explaining the procedures of a behavior intervention plan before obtaining consent.
   
   

4. Competence and Scope of Practice
   Practicing only within one's professional competence and seeking supervision or training when needed.
   Example: Consulting with a colleague experienced in feeding interventions before attempting to address a client's feeding issues.
   
   

5. Cultural Responsiveness
   Recognizing and respecting clients’ cultural, linguistic, and social backgrounds in all service delivery.
   Example: Modifying intervention materials to align with a family’s cultural practices.
   
   

6. Reporting Ethical Violations
   Addressing and reporting unethical behavior by colleagues when appropriate, starting with direct communication when feasible.
   Example: Discussing a supervisee’s pattern of late arrivals before escalating the issue to a supervisor or BACB.