ABAT - Applied Behavior Analysis Ethics and Professional Conduct Questions and Answers 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A BCBA is providing telehealth ABA services. Which ethical consideration is MOST unique to this service delivery model?
- Obtaining informed consent before beginning services
- Verifying that technology used maintains confidentiality and client privacy (Correct answer)
- Documenting session notes accurately
- Conducting functional assessments
Correct answer: Verifying that technology used maintains confidentiality and client privacy
Telehealth introduces unique privacy risks through digital platforms, making it essential to verify that technology used is HIPAA-compliant and secure.
Question 2: What does the BACB require regarding the use of restraint or aversive procedures?
- They can be used freely if the behavior is dangerous
- They require caregiver approval but no additional oversight
- They should only be used with proper training, client assent when possible, and appropriate oversight (Correct answer)
- They are prohibited under all circumstances by the BACB
Correct answer: They should only be used with proper training, client assent when possible, and appropriate oversight
Restrictive procedures must be used with proper training, appropriate oversight, and consideration of client assent, as outlined in the BACB Ethics Code.
Question 3: A behavior analyst notices a colleague spreading false information about ABA in a professional forum. What is the ethical response?
- Do nothing, as policing colleagues is not an ethical obligation
- Report the colleague to the BACB as the first step
- Privately address the colleague about the inaccurate statements (Correct answer)
- Publicly discredit the colleague in the same forum
Correct answer: Privately address the colleague about the inaccurate statements
The Ethics Code encourages addressing concerns with colleagues directly and privately before escalating to a formal complaint.
Question 4: Under the BACB Ethics Code, what is required when a behavior analyst must end professional services?
- Send written notice and stop providing services immediately
- Provide adequate notice, offer referrals, and support a transition to minimize harm (Correct answer)
- Continue services indefinitely to avoid abandonment
- Have the employer handle all communication with the client
Correct answer: Provide adequate notice, offer referrals, and support a transition to minimize harm
The Ethics Code requires providing adequate notice, referrals to alternative providers, and transition support when terminating services.
Question 5: A parent asks a BCBA to share their child's session data with a teacher at the child's school. What must the BCBA do first?
- Deny the request since educational staff are not clinical professionals
- Share the data immediately since the parent requested it
- Obtain a written release of information from the authorized guardian (Correct answer)
- Ask the child for assent before sharing any information
Correct answer: Obtain a written release of information from the authorized guardian
Even when a parent requests data sharing, a written release of information must be obtained to ensure compliance with HIPAA and confidentiality requirements.
Question 6: What is the primary purpose of the BACB's Continuing Education (CE) requirements for credentialed practitioners?
- To ensure practitioners generate income for CE providers
- To maintain and expand professional competence in the field (Correct answer)
- To satisfy state licensure requirements only
- To replace the need for supervision for credentialed BCBAs
Correct answer: To maintain and expand professional competence in the field
Continuing education requirements exist to help practitioners stay current with evolving research, methods, and ethical standards in ABA.
Question 7: A BCBA working in a school discovers that a behavior intervention plan (BIP) was written without a functional behavior assessment (FBA). What is the most ethical next step?
- Implement the existing BIP since it was approved by the team
- Refuse to implement any BIP without conducting a thorough FBA first
- Raise the concern with the team and advocate for completing an FBA before or alongside implementation (Correct answer)
- Add an FBA retroactively to the file without conducting one
Correct answer: Raise the concern with the team and advocate for completing an FBA before or alongside implementation
Ethical practice requires advocating for evidence-based procedures; raising the concern and pursuing an FBA reflects scientific integrity while maintaining collaborative relationships.
ABAT - Applied Behavior Analysis Ethics and Professional Conduct Questions and Answers 4
A BCBA is providing telehealth ABA services.
Which ethical consideration is MOST unique to this service delivery model?