Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts

Introduction

• Behavior analysts provide applied behavior analysis (ABA) services.
• The Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) maintains professional standards.
• The Ethics Code guides professional activities and evaluates behavior.
• Core principles are foundational for standards.
• Standards are organized into six sections.

Scope of the Code

• Applies to BCBA and BCaBA certificants and applicants.
• Covers all professional activities, e.g., service delivery, supervision.
• Personal behavior is outside the scope unless it risks others.
• Definitions of key terms: Client and Stakeholder.

Core Principles

1. Benefit Others: Maximize benefits and do no harm.
2. Treat Others with Compassion, Dignity, and Respect.
3. Behave with Integrity: Honest, trustworthy, accountable.
4. Ensure Competence: Remain current and knowledgeable.

Application of the Code

• Behavior analysts are expected to know and comply with the Code.
• Misunderstanding is not a defense against violations.
• Ethical decision-making involves a structured process.

Enforcement of the Code

• Complaints are processed according to BACB procedures.

Glossary

• Definitions of key terms used throughout the Code.

Ethics Standards

Section 1: Responsibility as a Professional

• Being Truthful: Promote truthful behavior.
• Conforming with Legal and Professional Requirements.
• Accountability: Follow through on commitments.
• Practicing within a Defined Role and Scope of Competence.
• Maintaining Competence: Engage in professional development.
• Cultural Responsiveness and Diversity: Address biases and diverse needs.
• Nondiscrimination and Nonharassment.
• Awareness of Personal Biases and Challenges.
• Multiple Relationships, Gifts, Coercive and Exploitative Relationships, Romantic and Sexual Relationships.
• Responding to Requests: Timeliness and compliance.
• Self-Reporting Critical Information.

Section 2: Responsibility in Practice

• Providing Effective Treatment: Scientific evidence-based.
• Timeliness and Confidentiality.
• Documentation Protection: Compliance with requirements.
• Accuracy in Billing.
• Involving Clients and Stakeholders.
• Collaborating with Colleagues.
• Obtaining Informed Consent: Know and comply with conditions.
• Considering Medical Needs.
• Selecting, Designing, and Implementing Assessments and Interventions.
• Minimizing Risk: Evaluate and modify interventions.
• Continual Evaluation: Use data for decisions.
• Addressing Interferences with Service Delivery.

Section 3: Responsibility to Clients and Stakeholders

• Responsibility to Clients: Prioritize client welfare.
• Identifying and Managing Stakeholders.
• Service and Financial Agreements.
• Consulting and Third-Party Contracts.
• Limitations of Confidentiality.
• Documenting Professional Activity.
• Facilitating Continuity and Transitioning Services.

Section 4: Responsibility to Supervisees and Trainees

• Compliance with Supervision Requirements.
• Supervisory Competence and Volume.
• Accountability in Supervision.
• Maintaining Supervision Documentation.
• Providing Supervision and Training.
• Performance Monitoring and Feedback.
• Delegation of Tasks.
• Evaluating Effects of Supervision.
• Facilitating Continuity and Terminating Supervision.

Section 5: Responsibility in Public Statements

• Protecting Rights in Public Statements.
• Confidentiality in Public Statements.
• Truthfulness in Public Statements:
  • Use of Intellectual Property.
  • Advertising Nonbehavioral Services.
  • Soliciting and Using Testimonials.
  • Social Media and Digital Content.

Section 6: Responsibility in Research

• Conforming with Laws and Regulations.
• Research Review: Approval before conducting research.
• Prioritizing Client Welfare in Research.
• Obtaining Informed Consent in Research.
• Confidentiality in Research.
• Competence and Conflict of Interest in Research.
• Appropriate Credit and Plagiarism.
• Accuracy and Use of Data.

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This document provides comprehensive standards to guide behavior analysts in professional and ethical conduct within their practice, ensuring their actions benefit clients, stakeholders, and the field of applied behavior analysis.