ABA Ethics & Professional Conduct 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A BCBA is working with a client when they discover the client's current treatment plan was designed by a non-certified staff member. What is the BCBA's ethical obligation?
- Continue using the plan as-is to maintain consistency
- Immediately discontinue all services until a new plan is written
- Review and take responsibility for the treatment plan or design a new one (Correct answer)
- Report the situation to the licensing board before taking any action
Correct answer: Review and take responsibility for the treatment plan or design a new one
BCBAs must take responsibility for all behavior-analytic services under their supervision, including reviewing or replacing plans created by uncertified individuals.
Question 2: Which of the following best describes 'dual relationship' in the context of the BACB Ethics Code?
- A BCBA holding two separate certifications
- A BCBA serving as both a clinician and a supervisor to different clients
- A BCBA having a personal or financial relationship with a client outside of the professional role (Correct answer)
- A BCBA working in two different practice settings simultaneously
Correct answer: A BCBA having a personal or financial relationship with a client outside of the professional role
A dual relationship occurs when a BCBA takes on a second role with a client, such as a friendship or business relationship, which can compromise objectivity and professional judgment.
Question 3: A parent asks a BCBA to use a punishment procedure not supported by evidence. The BCBA should:
- Implement it immediately to honor the parent's preferences
- Implement it only if another BCBA agrees to cosign the plan
- Educate the parent about evidence-based alternatives and decline to use ineffective procedures (Correct answer)
- Document the parent's request but use the procedure anyway
Correct answer: Educate the parent about evidence-based alternatives and decline to use ineffective procedures
BCBAs are ethically required to use evidence-based practices and must educate clients and caregivers about scientifically supported interventions.
Question 4: Under the BACB Ethics Code, which situation would MOST likely require a BCBA to break confidentiality?
- A supervisor requests a copy of session notes for review
- A client discloses intent to harm themselves or others (Correct answer)
- An insurance company requests routine billing information
- A school principal asks for general progress updates
Correct answer: A client discloses intent to harm themselves or others
Confidentiality may be breached when there is imminent danger to the client or others, as safety supersedes privacy obligations.
Question 5: A BCBA realizes mid-treatment that they lack the competence to address a client's newly emerging behavior. The ethical course of action is to:
- Continue services while searching for training opportunities
- Immediately terminate the client
- Consult with or refer to a qualified professional who has the relevant competence (Correct answer)
- Request that a supervisor take over without informing the client
Correct answer: Consult with or refer to a qualified professional who has the relevant competence
When a BCBA encounters a situation outside their competence, they must consult with or refer to a qualified colleague to ensure the client receives appropriate care.
Question 6: Which of the following represents an appropriate use of social media according to BACB ethical standards?
- Posting anonymized case examples to an open public forum to get peer feedback
- Sharing client videos in a private professional group without written consent
- Discussing general ABA concepts and resources on a professional page without identifying clients (Correct answer)
- Accepting friend requests from current clients to maintain rapport
Correct answer: Discussing general ABA concepts and resources on a professional page without identifying clients
BCBAs may share general professional information online but must protect client confidentiality and avoid inappropriate personal relationships through social media.
Question 7: A BCBA working in a school setting is asked by an administrator to falsify progress data to secure funding. The BCBA should:
- Comply to protect the client's continued access to services
- Falsify data but document the administrator's request
- Refuse to falsify data and report the request through appropriate channels (Correct answer)
- Resign immediately without taking any further action
Correct answer: Refuse to falsify data and report the request through appropriate channels
BCBAs must maintain data integrity at all times and are ethically obligated to refuse fraudulent requests and report them appropriately.
ABA Ethics & Professional Conduct 2
A BCBA is working with a client when they discover the client's current treatment plan was designed by a non-certified staff member.
What is the BCBA's ethical obligation?