by Mary Jane Weiss, PhD, BCBA-D, Van Loan ABA-Autism program director
The Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB), has a professional and ethical compliance code for behavior analysts that all board certified behavior analysts (BCBA) must adhere to. The field has always held ethics as a high priority in training and in service provision, and the themes have been consistent over the years. These include confidentiality, attaining consent for treatment, ensuring that treatment is effective and is conducted in the least restrictive manner, and ensuring that client rights are respected and protected. The current code includes ten sections that cover a wide array of topics that define the professional obligations of behavior analysts and are all very clearly stated as the ethical rules to abide by. The ethical code has been revised over the years to reflect current issues, address new problems, and ensure that all behavior analysts are using best practices
The ten sections of the code include responsible conduct of behavior analysts, behavior analysts’ responsibility to clients, assessing behavior, behavior analysts and the behavior- change program, behavior analysts as supervisors, behavior analysts’ ethical responsibility to the profession of behavior analysis, behavior analysts’ ethical responsibility to colleagues, public statements, behavior analysts and research, and behavior analysts’ ethical responsibility to the BACB. Every subcategory of each of these ten sections is listed out in great detail over the span of a 24 page document. However, to give the reader a better understand of each section, a brief description of each section will be outlined below.
Responsible Conduct of Behavior Analysts. This section refers to the reliance on scientific knowledge, using evidence based and professional judgments during the delivery of services. It includes knowing your boundaries of competence, and not practicing outside of these areas. Additionally, the BACB takes a very firm stance that multiple relationships, conflicts of interests, and exploitative relationships must be avoided at all times. This section also includes overarching ethical mandates such as integrity.
Behavior Analysts’ Responsibility to Clients. A BCBA must not accept more clients than they can handle nor should they accept clients who require services outside of the education or experience of the BCBA. The BCBA has a responsibility to all parties that are affected by the delivery of behavior analytic services and must protect the rights and prerogatives of the clients. Confidentiality must be protected at all times, including in the maintenance of records and disclosures.
Assessing Behavior. Current assessments must be completed before treatment recommendations can be made, and medical consultations need to be sought as needed. Consent must be obtained prior to assessments, and following the completion of the assessment, the results need to be explained. This section emphasizes the centrality of the assessment process to treatment planning, and reminds behavior analysts of the need to partner fully with clients and their families.
Behavior Analysts and the Behavior Change Program. Behavior analysts are responsible for involving clients when appropriate in the behavior change programs. All behavior change programs should be individualized to the needs of the client, they should be clearly written, they should account of environmental conditions that may affect behavior, they should always utilize the least restrictive, most effective procedures and should avoid harmful reinforcements. This section highlights the need for behavior analysts to always evaluate their own competence in the context of service provision, so that referrals and consultations are made when the client requires more specialized expertise.
Behavior Analysts as Supervisors. A supervisor only provides supervision within their own competence, and only with the number of supervisees that is appropriate to their ability to be effective. They design effective supervision, and provide feedback on an ongoing basis. Supervision has been highlighted, particularly in the context of ethical obligations, in the latest version of the Code.
Behavior Analysts’ Ethical Responsibility to the Profession of Behavior Analysis. BCBA’s must uphold and advance the values and ethics of the principles of behavior analysis. This includes disseminating information regarding behavior analysis when possible.
Behavior Analysts’ Ethical Responsibility to Colleagues. It is the responsibility of the BCBA to promote an ethical culture, to address any potential violations of the code, and to file a formal complaint with the BACB if appropriate. Behavior analysts try to shape the behavior of others and the culture of organizations as needed.
Public Statements. BCBA’s must avoid false or deceptive statements, including through omission. They do not implement non behavior analytic interventions, nor do they advertise non behavior analytic services as being behavior analytic.
Behavior Analysts and Research. All appropriate laws and regulations must always be followed. Behavior analysts should practice best standards and responsible research practices. This would include maintaining the dignity and welfare of the individual, completing research competently, maximizing the benefit and minimizing the risk to the individual, and avoiding conflicts of interest. It is important to gain informed consent, to keep information confidential, and to avoid plagiarism.
Behavior Analysts’ Ethical Responsibility to the BACB. This section outlines reporting truthful and accurate information to the BACB, responding in a timely manner, reporting and updating information as needed, maintaining confidentiality of the BACB intellectual property, and being familiar with the code.
The Code is comprehensive, prescriptive, and serves as a compass for practicing behavior analysts. Behavior analysts are committed to upholding the welfare of clients served, to using evidence-based practices to achieve the greatest results for clients, and to helping others to understand and value the field of ABA. As the field grows, such a code serves as a road map for training and supervision of the next generation of practitioners. The goal of the Code is consumer protection. Behavior analysts serve vulnerable populations, who have a right to humane, ethical, and effective care. The Code also serves as a mechanism to protect the quality of the field itself, as it assures that practitioners act with consistent integrity and in the best interests of their clients.
Learn more about how to become a professional in this important and quickly growing field by visiting the
