Professional
Integrity
Integrity
An RBT has a picture of a former client on their phone. The mother of the client sent a picture to the RBT and frequently provides updates on the child's well-being due to the family moving from one state to another. Is this a code violation?
No, having a former client and keeping in touch with that individual does not break confidentiality since they do not have a formal therapist/client relationship. The two years rule is intended for for situations where a behavior analyst became romantically attached to a client.
What year did the BACB introduce its first ethics document?
1999.This one-page document focused on upholding the use of BACB logos and other intellectual property, preventing misrepresentation of certification, exam misconduct, gross or repeated negligence, and criminal charges related to ABA practice. Although simple and lacking many areas covered in today’s ethics code, it provided a starting point for regulating the practice of behavior analysts and the field of ABA.
This is the first step in ethical decision-making when you encounter a potential ethical dilemma.
Identify the problem "red flag"
When a conflict of interest arises, the behavior analyst must do this to maintain ethical integrity.
Disclose the conflict and resolve it.
If my prayer was “Please let the function be escape. Anything but automatic,” how often would that prayer be answered?
Prayer not recommended unless you enjoy sending yourself into a full existential crisis.
It is one RBT's last day at the company. They are given a going away gift from one of their client's preschool teachers. While we never accept gifts from clients and their families, how should the RBT respond to receiving a gift from another professional?
They can accept the gift. Our ethics code dictates that we should not accept gifts from clients or their families because it may have some influence on our professional judgement. Gifts from past clients or others who are not clients are not included in the gifting ban.
Before the BACB introduced its first ethics document, where did individuals working in the ABA field receive their ethical guidance?
They made it up as they went! Ethical guidance came from individual practitioners’ moral sense and the cultural norms of the time.
Before implementing an intervention, a behavior analyst must do this to ensure the client’s consent.
Obtain informed consent.
Accepting these kinds of services or favors from clients may lead to conflicts of interest.
Personal or financial favors.
If my token board looked aesthetically pleasing, would that make it more effective or just more distracting?
Depends on how you feel about your hard work being put into a child's mouth.
You are contacted by the mother of a child you worked with for a few years in home based sessions. The mother informs you that she and the child's father are getting a divorce. The father wants 50/50 custody of the child, but the mother wants to limit his custody to a minimum. She asks you to write a document sharing your observations about the role each parents played during the years you worked with the family. How do you respond?
Say no!!! As a general rule it is not a good idea to get involved in a custody battle. A good response would be: "I'm sorry I don't feel comfortable preparing a document about this."
What major scandal rocked the state of Florida in 1972 that became a catalyst for the development of formal ethical standards in ABA?
The abuse investigation of the Sunland Training Center in Miami.
Before implementing a treatment, a behavior analyst should prioritize this type of assessment to ensure interventions are functionally equivalent and based on evidence.
A functional behavior assessment (FBA)
This is the best way for behavior analysts to avoid potential conflicts of interest with colleagues or clients
Set clear boundaries.
How many months of working as an RBT would it take before I start collecting baseline data in my dreams?
Less than normal if you leave cookies out for your sleep demon.
You are shadowing a home session, and see a coworker accept coffee at the clients house even though you know it is against our ethics code to accept gifts. Do you address it directly with your coworker or report it to the BCBA?
Speak to your BCBA and address your concerns. Especially if you notice a that this practice is impacting the quality of the clients services.
Why was the development of organizational oversight important to the field of ABA?
-Ensuring the upmost respect and dignity for our clients.
-Protects clients from the use of aversive techniques.
-Maintains consistency across the field.
When an ethical concern involves an individual in a different discipline, behavior analysts should attempt this first.
Collaborate with the other professional.
If a conflict arises between a behavior analyst’s responsibilities and the law, the behavior analyst should do this to resolve the issue ethically.
Consult with legal and ethical resources to make an informed decision.
Pairing is just ABA for:
Bribe them until they like you
What are some strategies to maintain professional boundaries with clients and their families? (9 possible answers)
1. Establish clear roles and responsibilities.
2. Set communication guidelines.
3. Protect confidential information.
4. Manage physical boundaries.
5. Avoid dual relationships.
6. Monitor emotional involvement.
7. Handle gifts and invitations appropriately.
8. Document everything.
9. Engage in continuous professional development.
What were some aversive consequences used by early "behavior specialists" in the late 1960s?
Tabasco and undiluted lemon juice
This ethical principle requires behavior analysts to ensure they are practicing within their training and experience, seeking additional training when needed.
Scope of competence.
Engaging in dual relationships is only permissible under this circumstance.
Under no circumstance.
Parent training is just ABA for:
Learning to ignore tantrums like a pro while crying inside.