Ethics and Professional Conduct Flashcards
7 cards from real ABAT practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Ethics and Professional Conduct flashcards as text
A BCBA is subpoenaed to release a client's confidential records. What is the appropriate ethical and legal response?
Answer: Consult legal counsel and release only what is legally required while protecting client rights as much as possible
When legally compelled to disclose, behavior analysts should seek legal guidance and release only the minimum information required while taking steps to protect client confidentiality.
Under the BACB Ethics Code, what standard applies when a behavior analyst is developing and disseminating new assessment or intervention products?
Answer: Products must be based on documented scientific and professional knowledge and must not make misleading claims
Behavior analysts must ensure that any products they develop or promote are grounded in established scientific evidence and do not contain false or misleading claims.
Which action best demonstrates the ethical principle of 'beneficence' in ABA practice?
Answer: Selecting interventions that produce the greatest benefit to the client based on scientific evidence
Beneficence requires actively promoting the client's well-being by selecting the most effective, evidence-based interventions tailored to the individual.
A BCBA disagrees with an employer's directive to reduce session frequency for cost reasons, which would likely harm client progress. What is the ethical obligation?
Answer: Advocate for the client's needs, document the disagreement, and escalate through appropriate channels
When organizational policies conflict with client welfare, behavior analysts must advocate for their clients, document the conflict, and use available channels to resolve it ethically.
What does the BACB require of behavior analysts regarding the use of restraint or aversive procedures?
Answer: They should only be used as a last resort with proper consent, documentation, and oversight, and only when less restrictive alternatives have been attempted
Restrictive or aversive procedures require exhausting less restrictive alternatives first, obtaining informed consent, implementing oversight safeguards, and ongoing documentation.
A BCBA providing telehealth ABA services must ensure which of the following, according to ethical guidelines?
Answer: Technological platforms used are secure, confidential, and appropriate for the client's needs
Ethical telehealth practice requires the same confidentiality, consent, and competence standards as in-person services, including secure platforms and appropriate supervisory oversight.
A new BCBA feels pressure from a supervisor to implement a procedure they have not been trained in. According to the BACB Ethics Code, the BCBA should:
Answer: Decline to implement the procedure until appropriate training and supervision are obtained
Each certificant is personally responsible for practicing within their scope of competence; supervisory pressure does not transfer that ethical responsibility to the supervisor.