ABAT Ethics and Professional Conduct 2

Question 1

A BCBA discovers that a colleague is using punishment procedures without proper authorization. According to the BACB Ethics Code, what is the BCBA's primary obligation?

Accepted Answer

Report the concern through appropriate channels

Answer

Ignore it to avoid conflict with a colleague

Answer

Immediately terminate the colleague's employment

Answer

Inform the client's family but take no further action

Question 2

Which of the following best describes a 'conflict of interest' in ABA practice under the BACB Ethics Code?

Accepted Answer

A personal or financial interest that could improperly influence professional judgment

Answer

Disagreeing with a client's treatment goals

Answer

Having more than one client at the same facility

Answer

Providing services in a client's natural environment

Question 3

Under the BACB Ethics Code, when may a behavior analyst accept gifts from clients?

Accepted Answer

Gifts should generally be declined; behavior analysts must use professional judgment regarding exceptions

Answer

Gifts of any value are always acceptable if the client offers them freely

Answer

Only gifts valued under $10 are permitted with no exceptions

Answer

Gifts are acceptable if documented in the treatment plan

Question 4

A BCBA is asked to provide testimony as an expert witness in a legal case involving a former client. Which ethical requirement applies?

Accepted Answer

The BCBA must provide honest, evidence-based testimony and not misrepresent their qualifications

Answer

Expert testimony is prohibited under the BACB Ethics Code

Answer

The BCBA may advocate for whichever side hired them

Answer

Expert witness roles require surrendering one's BCBA certification temporarily

Question 5

What does the BACB Ethics Code require when a behavior analyst must withdraw services from a client?

Accepted Answer

The analyst must provide notice, assist with transition planning, and refer to other providers when possible

Answer

Services can be ended immediately without notice if the client is non-compliant

Answer

Written approval from the BACB is required before any service termination

Answer

Only supervisors may terminate services; line staff have no role in this decision

Question 6

A BCBA is approached by a pharmaceutical company offering payment to recommend their medication to clients. What is the ethical response?

Accepted Answer

Decline; accepting payment for referrals creates a conflict of interest

Answer

Accept if the medication has published research support

Answer

Accept as long as the payment is disclosed to clients

Answer

Seek BACB approval before deciding

Question 7

Under the BACB Ethics Code, what is required before a behavior analyst can use a client's data or case information for research or publication?

Accepted Answer

Informed written consent and IRB approval as applicable, with client data de-identified

Answer

Verbal consent from the caregiver is sufficient

Answer

BACB approval for each publication is required

Answer

Only supervisors need to approve the use of client data for research