ABAT Ethical and Professional Conduct 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A BCBA is working with a client whose family requests that the behavior analyst use a punishment procedure not supported by research. What is the most ethical course of action?
- Implement the procedure as requested to maintain the therapeutic relationship
- Refuse to implement it and explain the requirement to use evidence-based interventions (Correct answer)
- Implement it on a trial basis and monitor outcomes
- Defer to the supervising physician's recommendation
Correct answer: Refuse to implement it and explain the requirement to use evidence-based interventions
The BACB Ethics Code requires BCBAs to rely on scientific evidence and use evidence-based interventions, even when clients or caregivers request otherwise.
Question 2: Which scenario best illustrates a conflict of interest that a BCBA must disclose?
- The BCBA attends a conference funded by an ABA software company whose product they recommend
- The BCBA has a client who is also a neighbor
- The BCBA receives a referral from another BCBA they supervise
- All of the above represent conflicts requiring disclosure (Correct answer)
Correct answer: All of the above represent conflicts requiring disclosure
All listed scenarios involve relationships or financial interests that could influence professional judgment and must be disclosed under the BACB Ethics Code.
Question 3: Under the BACB Ethics Code, how should a BCBA handle a situation where a supervisee is implementing an intervention incorrectly despite repeated feedback?
- Continue providing feedback indefinitely until improvement occurs
- Document concerns and, if unresolved, take formal corrective action or terminate the supervisory relationship (Correct answer)
- Report the supervisee to the BACB immediately
- Ignore the issue to preserve the working relationship
Correct answer: Document concerns and, if unresolved, take formal corrective action or terminate the supervisory relationship
BCBAs must document supervisory concerns and take formal corrective action, up to and including termination of the supervisory relationship, if a supervisee does not improve.
Question 4: A BCBA discovers that a colleague submitted falsified session notes to a funding source. What does the BACB Ethics Code require the BCBA to do?
- Address the issue internally with the colleague first, then report if unresolved (Correct answer)
- Immediately report the colleague to the BACB without any prior discussion
- Ignore the situation as it is the funding source's responsibility to audit records
- Only report if the BCBA has direct evidence, not just suspicion
Correct answer: Address the issue internally with the colleague first, then report if unresolved
The BACB Ethics Code requires BCBAs to first attempt to resolve ethical issues informally when appropriate before escalating to formal reporting.
Question 5: Which of the following best describes the principle of 'least restrictive effective intervention' in ABA ethics?
- Always choosing the intervention with the fewest procedural steps
- Selecting interventions that achieve behavior change goals while minimizing restrictions on client freedom and dignity (Correct answer)
- Avoiding all forms of punishment under any circumstances
- Using only naturalistic teaching strategies in all settings
Correct answer: Selecting interventions that achieve behavior change goals while minimizing restrictions on client freedom and dignity
Least restrictive effective intervention means choosing procedures that achieve clinical goals while imposing the minimum necessary limitations on client autonomy and dignity.
Question 6: A BCBA in private practice wants to advertise their services using a client success story. Which approach is ethically permissible?
- Use the story with all identifying information removed after obtaining written client consent (Correct answer)
- Use the story if the client verbally agrees, without written documentation
- Use the story if it occurred more than two years ago
- Client testimonials are never permissible in ABA practice under any circumstances
Correct answer: Use the story with all identifying information removed after obtaining written client consent
Advertising with client information requires both written informed consent and removal of identifying details to protect client confidentiality.
Question 7: When a BCBA is providing services via telehealth, which ethical obligation remains unchanged compared to in-person services?
- The requirement to obtain informed consent before beginning services (Correct answer)
- The requirement to conduct all direct observations in the natural environment
- The requirement to have a supervising physician co-sign all treatment plans
- The requirement to use only tangible reinforcers approved by the funding source
Correct answer: The requirement to obtain informed consent before beginning services
Informed consent is a foundational ethical requirement that applies equally to telehealth and in-person ABA services.
ABAT Ethical and Professional Conduct 4
A BCBA is working with a client whose family requests that the behavior analyst use a punishment procedure not supported by research.
What is the most ethical course of action?