ABA BACB Ethical Standards 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A BCBA is asked by an employer to implement a behavior plan that lacks scientific support. What does the BACB Ethics Code require?
- Implement it since the employer has authority
- Advocate for evidence-based practices and refuse to implement unsupported procedures (Correct answer)
- Implement it only if the client's family agrees
- Document disagreement but implement it anyway
Correct answer: Advocate for evidence-based practices and refuse to implement unsupported procedures
BCBAs must rely on scientific evidence and advocate for evidence-based practices even when facing employer pressure.
Question 2: A BCBA is subpoenaed to testify about a client. What ethical obligation governs how the BCBA handles the client's confidential information?
- All information must be disclosed because a subpoena overrides all ethical obligations
- The BCBA should disclose only the minimum necessary and consult legal counsel about privilege (Correct answer)
- The BCBA should refuse to appear in court under any circumstances
- The BCBA should notify the BACB before saying anything in court
Correct answer: The BCBA should disclose only the minimum necessary and consult legal counsel about privilege
Legal proceedings do not eliminate confidentiality obligations; BCBAs should disclose the minimum necessary and seek legal guidance.
Question 3: Which action demonstrates appropriate professional development under BACB ethical standards?
- Relying solely on training received during graduate school
- Engaging in ongoing continuing education relevant to the populations and issues encountered (Correct answer)
- Attending any conference regardless of relevance to practice
- Reading non-peer-reviewed self-help books on behavior
Correct answer: Engaging in ongoing continuing education relevant to the populations and issues encountered
The BACB Ethics Code requires BCBAs to maintain competence through ongoing, relevant continuing education.
Question 4: A parent asks a BCBA to use a specific intervention the BCBA knows is not evidence-based. What is the ethical response?
- Implement it because parental rights supersede scientific standards
- Educate the parent about evidence-based alternatives and the limitations of the requested intervention (Correct answer)
- Agree to use it during home sessions only
- Report the parent to child protective services
Correct answer: Educate the parent about evidence-based alternatives and the limitations of the requested intervention
BCBAs must educate clients and families about evidence-based practices while respecting their right to make informed decisions.
Question 5: Under BACB ethical standards, when can a BCBA share client records with another provider?
- Whenever the other provider requests them
- Only with the client's or guardian's written consent, or as required by law (Correct answer)
- Only with the employer's permission
- Only after the client has ended services
Correct answer: Only with the client's or guardian's written consent, or as required by law
Client records may only be shared with written consent of the client or guardian, or as mandated by law.
Question 6: A BCBA receives a gift from a family at the end of services valued at $75. What is the most ethical course of action?
- Accept it without comment because services have ended
- Decline the gift and explain the professional boundary, as gifts can create or imply dual relationships (Correct answer)
- Accept it and report it to the employer
- Accept it only if the agency policy permits gifts under $100
Correct answer: Decline the gift and explain the professional boundary, as gifts can create or imply dual relationships
Accepting gifts from clients can compromise professional objectivity and create dual relationships, so BCBAs should generally decline.
Question 7: A BCBA supervising a RBT notices the RBT has developed a personal friendship with a client's parent. What is the BCBA's ethical responsibility?
- Ignore it since the RBT's personal life is not the BCBA's concern
- Address the dual relationship with the RBT and take corrective action to protect the client (Correct answer)
- Report it immediately to the BACB without first addressing it with the RBT
- Transfer the client to a different RBT without explanation
Correct answer: Address the dual relationship with the RBT and take corrective action to protect the client
BCBAs supervising RBTs are responsible for ensuring those supervisees avoid dual relationships that could harm clients.
ABA BACB Ethical Standards 3
A BCBA is asked by an employer to implement a behavior plan that lacks scientific support.
What does the BACB Ethics Code require?