Episode 18: The Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts: Responsibility in Practice

Summary

In this episode of 'Inside the BACB' podcast, Dr. Jim Carr and Dr. Tyra Sellers discuss the newly revised Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts, effective from January 1st, 2022. They delve into Section 2— Responsibility and Practice, covering 19 ethics standards that guide behavior analysts in providing effective, timely, and confidential services. The hosts highlight the importance of informed consent, collaboration, and prioritizing client welfare while adhering to scientific evidence and legal regulations.

Takeaways

• 📅 The new Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts was published in December 2020 and went into effect on January 1st, 2022.
• 🔍 Section 2 — Responsibility and Practice is the largest of the six sections, comprising 19 ethics standards focused on the practice of behavior analysts.
• 🌟 The first standard, 2.01, emphasizes the primacy of clients' rights and needs, requiring services to be evidence-based and designed to maximize benefits and minimize harm.
• ⏰ Standard 2.02 highlights the importance of timeliness in delivering services and fulfilling administrative responsibilities to avoid causing delays.
• 🔒 Standard 2.03 underscores the duty of behavior analysts to protect confidential information and comply with relevant confidentiality requirements.
• 🗣️ Standard 2.04 specifies conditions under which confidential information can be shared, such as obtaining informed consent or to prevent harm.
• 📚 Standard 2.05 requires behavior analysts to be knowledgeable about and comply with requirements for documentation protection, retention, and destruction.
• 💼 Standard 2.06 insists on accuracy in service billing and reporting, and mandates correction and documentation of any inaccuracies discovered.
• 💵 Standard 2.07 addresses fee practices, requiring compliance with laws and regulations, and transparency in fee information.
• 💬 Standard 2.08 calls for clear and understandable communication with clients and stakeholders, ensuring comprehension and explaining service details.
• 🤝 Standard 2.09 encourages active involvement of clients and stakeholders in all aspects of service delivery, from goal selection to progress monitoring.
• 🤔 Standard 2.10 stresses the importance of collaboration with colleagues and resolving conflicts with the client's best interest in mind.
• 🏥 Standard 2.12 emphasizes the responsibility of behavior analysts to consider and address medical needs that may influence the referred behavior.
• 📊 Standard 2.13 and 2.14 detail the requirements for selecting, designing, and implementing assessments and behavior-change interventions, respectively, with a focus on scientific evidence and client needs.
• 🚫 Standard 2.15 discusses the careful selection and implementation of behavior-change interventions, especially restrictive or punishment-based procedures, with a focus on minimizing risk.
• ✍️ Standard 2.16 mandates written descriptions of behavior-change interventions before implementation, including objectives, procedures, and schedules.
• 📈 Standard 2.17 emphasizes the importance of data collection, graphical display, and using data to make decisions about service delivery.
• 🔄 Standard 2.18 calls for continual evaluation of behavior-change interventions and taking corrective actions if desired outcomes are not being achieved.
• 🛠️ Standard 2.19 addresses the proactive identification and resolution of conditions that interfere with service delivery, potentially involving other professionals.

Q & A

What is the main topic of discussion in the podcast episode?

The main topic of discussion in the podcast episode is the 'Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts', specifically Section 2 — Responsibility and Practice, which came into effect on January 1st, 2022.

How many ethics standards are covered in Section 2 of the Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts?

Section 2 of the Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts includes 19 ethics standards.

What does the standard 2.01 emphasize about behavior analysts' services?

Standard 2.01 emphasizes that behavior analysts' services should prioritize clients' rights and needs, be based on scientific evidence, align with behavioral principles, and be designed to maximize desired outcomes while protecting clients and others from harm.

What is the focus of standard 2.02 in the Ethics Code?

Standard 2.02 focuses on the timeliness of service delivery and administrative responsibilities, ensuring that practitioners do not cause delays in accessing services or service-related actions.

Why is it important for behavior analysts to protect confidential information?

Behavior analysts are required to protect confidential information to maintain the privacy and trust of clients, stakeholders, supervisees, trainees, and research participants, as outlined in standard 2.03.

Under what conditions can behavior analysts share confidential information according to standard 2.04?

Behavior analysts can share confidential information when informed consent is obtained, to protect the client or others from harm, to resolve contractual issues, to prevent a crime likely to cause harm, or when compelled by law or court order.

What does standard 2.05 require behavior analysts to do regarding documentation?

Standard 2.05 requires behavior analysts to be knowledgeable about and comply with all applicable requirements for storing, transporting, retaining, and destroying physical and electronic documentation related to their professional activities.

How should behavior analysts handle inaccuracies in reporting or billing as per standard 2.06?

According to standard 2.06, if inaccuracies in reporting or billing are discovered, behavior analysts must inform all relevant parties, correct the inaccuracy promptly, and document all actions taken and the eventual outcomes.

What is the key requirement of standard 2.08 regarding communication with clients and stakeholders?

Standard 2.08 requires behavior analysts to use understandable language and ensure comprehension in all communications with clients, stakeholders, supervisees, trainees, and research participants, clearly describing the scope of services and conditions under which services will end.

What does standard 2.09 emphasize about involving clients and stakeholders in the service relationship?

Standard 2.09 emphasizes that behavior analysts should make appropriate efforts to involve clients and relevant stakeholders throughout the entire service relationship, including in selecting goals, designing assessments, and conducting progress monitoring.

How should behavior analysts collaborate with colleagues, as stated in standard 2.10?

Standard 2.10 states that behavior analysts should collaborate with colleagues from their own and other professions in the best interest of clients and stakeholders, addressing conflicts by compromising when possible but always prioritizing the client's best interest.