| "Ethics Code for" | |
| "Behavior Analysts" | |
| "The Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts (Code) replaces the Professional and Ethical" | |
| "Compliance Code for Behavior Analysts (2014). All BCBA and BCaBA applicants" | |
| "and certificants are required to adhere to the Code effective January 1, 2022." | |
| "" | |
| "" | |
| "" | |
| "" | |
| "This document should be referenced as:" | |
| "Behavior Analyst Certification Board. (2020). Ethics code for behavior analysts." | |
| "https://bacb.com/wp-content/ethics-code-for-behavior-analysts/" | |
| " Table of Contents" | |
| "Introduction......................................................................... 3 3.06 Consulting with Other Providers......................................................13" | |
| "Scope of the Code.................................................................................................... 3 3.07 Third-Party Contracts for Services...................................................13" | |
| "Core Principles .......................................................................................................... 4 3.08 Responsibility to the Client with Third-Party Contracts" | |
| "for Services..................................................................................................13" | |
| "Application of the Code........................................................................................... 5" | |
| "3.09 Communicating with Stakeholders About Third-Party" | |
| "Enforcement of the Code........................................................................................6" | |
| "Contracted Services.................................................................................14" | |
| "Glossary.............................................................................. 7 3.10 Limitations of Confidentiality..............................................................14" | |
| "Ethics Standards................................................................. 9 3.11 Documenting Professional Activity....................................................14" | |
| "Section 1—Responsibility as a Professional.......................................................9 3.12 Advocating for Appropriate Services..............................................14" | |
| "1.01 Being Truthful............................................................................................9 3.13 Referrals....................................................................................................14" | |
| "1.02 Conforming with Legal and Professional Requirements...........9 3.14 Facilitating Continuity of Services.....................................................14" | |
| "1.03 Accountability..........................................................................................9 3.15 Appropriately Discontinuing Services.............................................14" | |
| "1.04 Practicing within a Defined Role........................................................9 3.16 Appropriately Transitioning Services...............................................14" | |
| "1.05 Practicing within Scope of Competence........................................9 Section 4—Responsibility to Supervisees and Trainees..............................15" | |
| "1.06 Maintaining Competence.....................................................................9 4.01 Compliance with Supervision Requirements................................15" | |
| "1.07 Cultural Responsiveness and Diversity...........................................9 4.02 Supervisory Competence..................................................................15" | |
| "1.08 Nondiscrimination...................................................................................9 4.03 Supervisory Volume ...........................................................................15" | |
| "1.09 Nonharassment.......................................................................................9 4.04 Accountability in Supervision............................................................15" | |
| "1.10 Awareness of Personal Biases and Challenges............................9 4.05 Maintaining Supervision Documentation......................................15" | |
| "1.11 Multiple Relationships............................................................................ 10 4.06 Providing Supervision and Training................................................15" | |
| "1.12 Giving and Receiving Gifts.................................................................. 10 4.07 Incorporating and Addressing Diversity........................................15" | |
| "1.13 Coercive and Exploitative Relationships........................................ 10 4.08 Performance Monitoring and Feedback.......................................15" | |
| "1.14 Romantic and Sexual Relationships................................................. 10 4.09 Delegation of Tasks.............................................................................15" | |
| "1.15 Responding to Requests...................................................................... 10 4.10 Evaluating Effects of Supervision and Training............................16" | |
| "1.16 Self-Reporting Critical Information.................................................... 10 4.11 Facilitating Continuity of Supervision................................................16" | |
| "Section 2—Responsibility in Practice................................................................ 10 4.12 Appropriately Terminating Supervision...........................................16" | |
| "2.01 Providing Effective Treatment.......................................................... 10 Section 5—Responsibility in Public Statements..............................................16" | |
| "2.02 Timeliness.............................................................................................. 10 5.01 Protecting the Rights of Clients, Stakeholders," | |
| "2.03 Protecting Confidential Information............................................... 10 Supervisees, and Trainees.....................................................................16" | |
| "2.04 Disclosing Confidential Information.................................................11 5.02 Confidentiality in Public Statements...............................................16" | |
| "2.05 Documentation Protection and Retention.....................................11 5.03 Public Statements by Behavior Analysts......................................16" | |
| "2.06 Accuracy in Service Billing and Reporting....................................11 5.04 Public Statements by Others............................................................16" | |
| "2.07 Fees...........................................................................................................11 5.05 Use of Intellectual Property...............................................................16" | |
| "2.08 Communicating About Services.......................................................11 5.06 Advertising Nonbehavioral Services.............................................16" | |
| "2.09 Involving Clients and Stakeholders.................................................11 5.07 Soliciting Testimonials from Current Clients" | |
| "2.10 Collaborating with Colleagues...........................................................11 for Advertising............................................................................................17" | |
| "2.11 Obtaining Informed Consent................................................................11 5.08 Using Testimonials from Former Clients for Advertising.........17" | |
| "2.12 Considering Medical Needs...............................................................12 5.09 Using Testimonials for Nonadvertising Purposes......................17" | |
| "2.13 Selecting, Designing, and Implementing Assessments............12 5.10 Social Media Channels and Websites.............................................17" | |
| "2.14 Selecting, Designing, and Implementing Behavior- 5.11 Using Digital Content in Public Statements....................................17" | |
| "Change Interventions...............................................................................12 Section 6—Responsibility in Research...............................................................17" | |
| "2.15 Minimizing Risk of Behavior-Change Interventions....................12" | |
| "6.01 Conforming with Laws and Regulations in Research.................17" | |
| "2.16 Describing Behavior-Change Interventions" | |
| "6.02 Research Review..................................................................................17" | |
| "Before Implementation............................................................................12" | |
| "6.03 Research in Service Delivery............................................................17" | |
| "2.17 Collecting and Using Data...................................................................12" | |
| "6.04 Informed Consent in Research........................................................18" | |
| "2.18 Continual Evaluation of the Behavior-Change Intervention.....12" | |
| "6.05 Confidentiality in Research...............................................................18" | |
| "2.19 Addressing Conditions Interfering with Service Delivery.........12" | |
| "6.06 Competence in Conducting Research..........................................18" | |
| "Section 3—Responsibility to Clients and Stakeholders................................13" | |
| "6.07 Conflict of Interest in Research and Publication.........................18" | |
| "3.01 Responsibility to Clients......................................................................13 6.08 Appropriate Credit...............................................................................18" | |
| "3.02 Identifying Stakeholders.....................................................................13 6.09 Plagiarism................................................................................................18" | |
| "3.03 Accepting Clients.................................................................................13 6.10 Documentation and Data Retention in Research........................18" | |
| "3.04 Service Agreement..............................................................................13 6.11 Accuracy and Use of Data...................................................................18" | |
| "3.05 Financial Agreements.........................................................................13" | |
| "" | |
| "" | |
| "" | |
| "" | |
| "Updated 08/2024, Copyright © 2020, BACB® | All rights reserved. Behavior Analyst Certification Board | Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts | 2" | |
| " Introduction" | |
| "As a diverse group of professionals who work in a variety of practice areas, behavior analysts deliver applied behavior" | |
| "analysis (ABA) services to positively impact lives. The Behavior Analyst Certification Board® (BACB®) exists to meet the" | |
| "credentialing needs of these professionals and relevant stakeholders (e.g., licensure boards, funders) while protecting ABA" | |
| "consumers by establishing, disseminating, and managing professional standards. The BACB facilitates ethical behavior in the" | |
| "profession through its certification eligibility and maintenance requirements, by issuing the ethics standards described in this" | |
| "document, and by operating a system for addressing professional misconduct." | |
| "The Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts (Code) guides the professional activities of behavior analysts over whom the BACB" | |
| "has jurisdiction (see Scope of the Code below). The Code also provides a means for behavior analysts to evaluate their own" | |
| "behavior and for others to assess whether a behavior analyst has violated their ethical obligations. An introduction section" | |
| "describes the scope and application of the Code, its core principles, and considerations for ethical decision making. The core" | |
| "principles are foundational concepts that should guide all aspects of a behavior analyst’s work. The introduction is followed" | |
| "by a glossary that includes definitions of technical terms used in the Code. The final section includes the ethics standards," | |
| "which are informed by the core principles. The standards are organized into six sections: 1) Responsibility as a Professional," | |
| "2) Responsibility in Practice, 3) Responsibility to Clients and Stakeholders, 4) Responsibility to Supervisees and Trainees, 5)" | |
| "Responsibility in Public Statements, and 6) Responsibility in Research." | |
| "" | |
| "Scope of the Code" | |
| "The Code applies to all individuals who hold Board Certified Behavior Analyst® (BCBA®) or Board Certified Assistant Behavior" | |
| "Analyst® (BCaBA®) certification and all individuals who have completed an application for BCBA or BCaBA certification. For the" | |
| "sake of efficiency, the term “behavior analyst” is used throughout this document to refer to those who must act in accordance" | |
| "with the Code. The BACB does not have separate jurisdiction over organizations or corporations." | |
| "The Code applies to behavior analysts in all of their professional activities, including direct service delivery, consultation," | |
| "supervision, training, management, editorial and peer-review activities, research, and any other activity within the ABA" | |
| "profession. The Code applies to behavior analysts’ professional activities across settings and delivery modes (e.g., in person;" | |
| "in writing; via phone, email, text message, video conferencing). Application of the Code does not extend to behavior analysts’" | |
| "personal behavior unless it is determined that the behavior clearly poses a potential risk to the health and safety of clients," | |
| "stakeholders, supervisees, or trainees." | |
| "" | |
| "" | |
| "Specific terms are defined in the Glossary section; however, two definitions are provided here because they are" | |
| "frequently used in the Core Principles section." | |
| "" | |
| "Client: The direct recipient of the behavior analyst’s services. At various times during service provision, one or" | |
| "more stakeholders may simultaneously meet the definition of client (e.g., the point at which they receive direct" | |
| "training or consultation). In some contexts, the client might be a group of individuals (e.g., with organizational" | |
| "behavior management services)." | |
| "Stakeholder: An individual, other than the client, who is impacted by and invested in the behavior analyst’s" | |
| "services (e.g., parent, caregiver, relative, legally authorized representative, collaborator, employer, agency or" | |
| "institutional representative, licensure board, funder, third-party contractor for services)." | |
| "" | |
| "" | |
| "" | |
| "" | |
| "Updated 08/2024, Copyright © 2020, BACB® | All rights reserved. Behavior Analyst Certification Board | Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts | 3" | |
| " Core Principles" | |
| "Four foundational principles, which all behavior analysts should strive to embody, serve as the framework for the ethics" | |
| "standards. Behavior analysts should use these principles to interpret and apply the standards in the Code. The four core" | |
| "principles are that behavior analysts should: benefit others; treat others with compassion, dignity, and respect; behave with" | |
| "integrity; and ensure their own competence." | |
| "" | |
| "1. Benefit Others. Behavior analysts work to maximize 3. Behave with Integrity. Behavior analysts fulfill" | |
| "benefits and do no harm by: responsibilities to their scientific and professional" | |
| "communities, to society in general, and to the" | |
| "• Protecting the welfare and rights" | |
| "communities they serve by:" | |
| "of clients above all others" | |
| "• Protecting the welfare and rights of • Behaving in an honest and trustworthy manner" | |
| "other individuals with whom they • Not misrepresenting themselves," | |
| "interact in a professional capacity misrepresenting their work or others’" | |
| "• Focusing on the short- and long-term work, or engaging in fraud" | |
| "effects of their professional activities • Following through on obligations" | |
| "• Actively identifying and addressing the potential • Holding themselves accountable for their work" | |
| "negative impacts of their own physical and and the work of their supervisees and trainees," | |
| "mental health on their professional activities and correcting errors in a timely manner" | |
| "• Actively identifying potential and actual conflicts • Being knowledgeable about and upholding" | |
| "of interest and working to resolve them in BACB and other regulatory requirements" | |
| "a manner that avoids or minimizes harm • Actively working to create professional" | |
| "• Actively identifying and addressing factors environments that uphold the core" | |
| "(e.g., personal, financial, institutional, political, principles and standards of the Code" | |
| "religious, cultural) that might lead to conflicts • Respectfully educating others about" | |
| "of interest, misuse of their position, or negative the ethics requirements of behavior" | |
| "impacts on their professional activities analysts and the mechanisms for" | |
| "• Effectively and respectfully collaborating addressing professional misconduct" | |
| "with others in the best interest of those" | |
| "with whom they work and always 4. Ensure their Competence. Behavior analysts ensure" | |
| "placing clients’ interests first their competence by:" | |
| "• Remaining within the profession’s" | |
| "2. Treat Others with Compassion, Dignity, and" | |
| "scope of practice" | |
| "Respect. Behavior analysts behave toward others" | |
| "with compassion, dignity, and respect by: • Remaining current and increasing" | |
| "their knowledge of best practices and" | |
| "• Treating others equitably, regardless of factors advances in ABA and participating in" | |
| "such as age, disability, ethnicity, gender professional development activities" | |
| "expression/identity, immigration status, marital/" | |
| "relationship status, national origin, race, • Remaining knowledgeable and current about" | |
| "religion, sexual orientation, socioeconomic interventions (including pseudoscience)" | |
| "status, or any other basis proscribed by law that may exist in their practice areas" | |
| "and pose a risk of harm to clients" | |
| "• Respecting others’ privacy and confidentiality" | |
| "• Being aware of, working within, and continually" | |
| "• Respecting and actively promoting evaluating the boundaries of their competence" | |
| "clients’ self-determination to the best of" | |
| "their abilities, particularly when providing • Working to continually increase their knowledge" | |
| "services to vulnerable populations and skills related to cultural responsiveness" | |
| "and service delivery to diverse groups" | |
| "• Acknowledging that personal choice in service" | |
| "delivery is important by providing clients" | |
| "and stakeholders with needed information" | |
| "to make informed choices about services" | |
| "" | |
| "" | |
| "" | |
| "" | |
| "Updated 08/2024, Copyright © 2020, BACB® | All rights reserved. Behavior Analyst Certification Board | Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts | 4" | |
| " Application of the Code" | |
| "Behavior analysts are expected to be knowledgeable about and comply with the Code and Code-Enforcement Procedures." | |
| "Lack of awareness or misunderstanding of an ethics standard is not a defense against an alleged ethics violation. When" | |
| "appropriate, behavior analysts should inform others about the Code and Code-Enforcement Procedures and create" | |
| "conditions that foster adherence to the Code. When addressing potential code violations by themselves or others, behavior" | |
| "analysts document the steps taken and the resulting outcomes. Behavior analysts should address concerns about the" | |
| "professional misconduct of others directly with them when, after assessing the situation, it seems possible that doing so will" | |
| "resolve the issue and not place the behavior analyst or others at undue risk." | |
| "The BACB recognizes that behavior analysts may have different professional roles. As such, behavior analysts are" | |
| "required to comply with all applicable laws, licensure requirements, codes of conduct/ethics, reporting requirements (e.g.," | |
| "mandated reporting, reporting to funding sources or licensure board, self-reporting to the BACB, reporting instances of" | |
| "misrepresentation by others), and professional practice requirements related to their various roles. In some instances," | |
| "behavior analysts may need to report serious concerns to relevant authorities or agencies that can provide more immediate" | |
| "relief or protection before reporting to the BACB (e.g., criminal activity or behavior that places clients or others at risk for" | |
| "direct and immediate harm should immediately be reported to the relevant authorities before reporting to the BACB or a" | |
| "licensure board)." | |
| "The standards included in the Code are not meant to be exhaustive, as it is impossible to predict every situation that might" | |
| "constitute an ethics violation. Therefore, the absence of a particular behavior or type of conduct from the Code standards" | |
| "does not indicate that such behavior or conduct is ethical or unethical. When interpreting and applying a standard, it is critical" | |
| "to attend to its specific wording and function, as well as the core principles. Additionally, standards must be applied to a" | |
| "situation using a functional, contextualized approach that accounts for factors relevant to that situation, such as variables" | |
| "related to diversity (e.g., age, disability, ethnicity, gender expression/identity, immigration status, marital/relationship status," | |
| "national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status) and possible imbalances in power. In all instances" | |
| "of interpreting and applying the Code, behavior analysts should put compliance with the law and clients’ interests first by" | |
| "actively working to maximize desired outcomes and minimize risk." | |
| "Ethical decision making. Behavior analysts will likely encounter complex and multifaceted ethical dilemmas. When faced with" | |
| "such a dilemma, behavior analysts should identify problems and solutions with care and deliberation. In resolving an ethical" | |
| "dilemma, behavior analysts should follow the spirit and letter of the Code’s core principles and specific standards. Behavior" | |
| "analysts should address ethical dilemmas through a structured decision-making process that considers the full context of the" | |
| "situation and the function of relevant ethics standards. Although no single ethical decision-making process will be equally" | |
| "effective in all situations, the process below illustrates a systematic approach behavior analysts can take to document and" | |
| "address potential ethical concerns." | |
| "" | |
| "" | |
| "Throughout all of the following steps, document information that may be essential to decision making or for" | |
| "communicating the steps taken and outcomes (e.g., to the BACB, licensure boards, or other governing agencies)." | |
| "For example, consider documenting: dates, times, locations, and relevant individuals; summaries of observations," | |
| "meetings, or information reported by others. Take care to protect confidentiality in the preparation and storage of all" | |
| "documentation." | |
| "" | |
| "" | |
| "1. Clearly define the issue and consider potential risk of harm to relevant individuals." | |
| "2. Identify all relevant individuals." | |
| "3. Gather relevant supporting documentation and follow-up on second-hand information to confirm that there is an" | |
| "actual ethical concern." | |
| "4. Consider your personal learning history and biases in the context of the relevant individuals." | |
| "5. Identify the relevant core principles and Code standards." | |
| "6. Consult available resources (e.g., research, decision-making models, trusted colleagues)." | |
| "7. Develop several possible actions to reduce or remove risk of harm, prioritizing the best interests of clients in" | |
| "accordance with the Code and applicable laws." | |
| "" | |
| "" | |
| "" | |
| "" | |
| "Updated 08/2024, Copyright © 2020, BACB® | All rights reserved. Behavior Analyst Certification Board | Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts | 5" | |
| " 8. Critically evaluate each possible action by considering its alignment with the “letter and spirit” of the Code, its" | |
| "potential impact on the client and stakeholders, the likelihood of it immediately resolving the ethical concern, as well" | |
| "as variables such as client preference, social acceptability, degree of restrictiveness, and likelihood of maintenance." | |
| "9. Select the action that seems most likely to resolve the specific ethical concern and reduce the likelihood of similar" | |
| "issues arising in the future." | |
| "10. Take the selected action in collaboration with relevant individuals affected by the issue and document specific" | |
| "actions taken, agreed-upon next steps, names of relevant individuals, and due dates." | |
| "11. Evaluate the outcomes to ensure that the action successfully addressed the issue." | |
| "" | |
| "Enforcement of the Code" | |
| "The BACB enforces the Code to protect clients and stakeholders, BCBA and BCaBA certificants and applicants, and the ABA" | |
| "profession. Complaints are received and processed according to the processes outlined in the BACB’s Code-Enforcement" | |
| "Procedures document." | |
| "" | |
| "" | |
| "" | |
| "" | |
| "Updated 08/2024, Copyright © 2020, BACB® | All rights reserved. Behavior Analyst Certification Board | Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts | 6" | |
| " Glossary" | |
| "Assent Digital Content" | |
| "Vocal or nonvocal verbal behavior that can be taken to Information that is made available for online consumption," | |
| "indicate willingness to participate in research or behavioral downloading, or distribution through an electronic medium" | |
| "services by individuals who cannot provide informed consent (e.g., television, radio, ebook, website, social media," | |
| "(e.g., because of age or intellectual impairments). Assent may videogame, application, computer, smart device). Common" | |
| "be required by a research review committee or a service digital content includes documents, pictures, videos, and" | |
| "organization. In such instances, those entities will provide audio files." | |
| "parameters for assessing assent." | |
| "Informed Consent" | |
| "Behavior Analyst The permission given by an individual with the legal right" | |
| "An individual who holds BCBA or BCaBA certification or to consent before participating in services or research, or" | |
| "who has submitted a complete application for BCBA or allowing their information to be used or shared." | |
| "BCaBA certification." | |
| "Service/Research: Providing the opportunity for an" | |
| "Behavior-Change Intervention individual to give informed consent for services or" | |
| "The full set of behavioral procedures designed to improve research involves communicating about and taking" | |
| "the client’s wellbeing. appropriate steps to confirm understanding of: 1) the" | |
| "purpose of the services or research; 2) the expected" | |
| "Behavioral Services time commitment and procedures involved; 3) the" | |
| "Services that are explicitly based on the principles and right to decline to participate or withdraw at any time" | |
| "procedures of behavior analysis and are designed to change without adverse consequences; 4) potential benefits," | |
| "behavior in meaningful ways. These services include, but are risks, discomfort, or adverse effects; 5) any limits to" | |
| "not limited to, assessment, behavior-change interventions, confidentiality or privacy; 6) any incentives for research" | |
| "training, consultation, managing and supervising others, and participation; 7) whom to contact for questions or" | |
| "delivering continuing education. concerns at any time; and 8) the opportunity to ask" | |
| "questions and receive answers." | |
| "Client Information Use/Sharing: Providing the opportunity" | |
| "The direct recipient of the behavior analyst’s services. for an individual to give informed consent to share or" | |
| "At various times during service provision, one or more use their information involves communicating about: 1)" | |
| "stakeholders may simultaneously meet the definition of the purpose and intended use; 2) the audience; 3) the" | |
| "client (e.g., the point at which they receive direct training expected duration; 4) the right to decline or withdraw" | |
| "or consultation). In some contexts, the client might be a consent at any time; 5) potential risks or benefits; 6)" | |
| "group of individuals (e.g., with organizational behavior any limitations to confidentiality or privacy; 7) whom to" | |
| "management services). contact for questions or concerns at any time; and 8) the" | |
| "opportunity to ask questions and receive answers." | |
| "Clients’ Rights" | |
| "Human rights, legal rights, rights codified within behavior Legally Authorized Representative" | |
| "analysis, and organization rules designed to benefit Any individual authorized under law to provide consent" | |
| "the client. on behalf of an individual who cannot provide consent to" | |
| "receive services or participate in research." | |
| "Conflict of Interest" | |
| "An incompatibility between a behavior analysts’ private Multiple Relationship" | |
| "and professional interests resulting in risk or potential risk A comingling of two or more of a behavior analyst’s roles" | |
| "to services provided to, or the professional relationship (e.g., behavioral and personal) with a client, stakeholder," | |
| "with, a client, stakeholder, supervisee, trainee, or research supervisee, trainee, research participant, or someone closely" | |
| "participant. Conflicts may result in a situation in which associated with or related to the client." | |
| "personal, financial, or professional considerations have the" | |
| "potential to influence or compromise professional judgment" | |
| "in the delivery of behavioral services, research, consultation," | |
| "supervision, training, or any other professional activity." | |
| "" | |
| "" | |
| "" | |
| "" | |
| "Updated 08/2024, Copyright © 2020, BACB® | All rights reserved. Behavior Analyst Certification Board | Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts | 7" | |
| " Public Statements Stakeholder" | |
| "Delivery of information (digital or otherwise) in a public An individual, other than the client, who is impacted by and" | |
| "forum for the purpose of either better informing that invested in the behavior analyst’s services (e.g., parent," | |
| "audience or providing a call-to-action. This includes paid or caregiver, relative, legally authorized representative," | |
| "unpaid advertising, brochures, printed material, directory collaborator, employer, agency or institutional" | |
| "listings, personal resumes or curriculum vitae, interviews, or representatives, licensure board, funder, third-party" | |
| "comments for use in media (e.g., print, statements in legal contractor for services)." | |
| "proceedings, lectures and public presentations, social media," | |
| "published materials). Supervisee" | |
| "Any individual whose behavioral service delivery is overseen" | |
| "Research by a behavior analyst within the context of a defined, agreed-" | |
| "Any data-based activity, including analysis of preexisting upon relationship. Supervisees may include RBTs, BCaBAs," | |
| "data, designed to generate generalizable knowledge for the and BCBAs, as well as other professionals carrying out" | |
| "discipline. The use of an experimental design does not by supervised behavioral services." | |
| "itself constitute research." | |
| "Testimonial" | |
| "Research Participant Any solicited or unsolicited recommendation, in any form," | |
| "Any individual participating in a defined research study for from a client, stakeholder, supervisee, or trainee affirming" | |
| "whom informed consent has been obtained. the benefits received from a behavior analyst’s product or" | |
| "service. From the point at which a behavior analyst asks an" | |
| "Research Review Committee individual for a recommendation it is considered solicited." | |
| "A group of professionals whose stated purpose is to review" | |
| "research proposals to ensure the ethical treatment of human Third Party" | |
| "research participants. This committee might be an official Any individual, group of individuals, or entity, other than" | |
| "entity of a government or university (e.g., Institutional Review the direct recipient of services, the primary caregiver, the" | |
| "Board, Research Ethics Board), an independent committee legally authorized representative, or the behavior analyst," | |
| "within a service organization, or an independent organization who requests and funds services on behalf of a client or" | |
| "created for this purpose. group of clients. Some examples include a school district," | |
| "governmental entity, mental health agency, among others." | |
| "Scope of Competence" | |
| "The professional activities a behavior analyst can consistently Trainee" | |
| "perform with proficiency. Any individual accruing fieldwork/experience toward fulfilling" | |
| "eligibility requirements for BCaBA or BCBA certification." | |
| "Social Media Channel" | |
| "A digital platform, either found through a web browser or Website" | |
| "through an application, where users (individuals and/or A digital platform found through a web browser where" | |
| "businesses) can consume, create, copy, download, share, an entity (individual and/or organization) produces and" | |
| "or comment on posts or advertisements. Both posts and distributes digital content for the consumption of users" | |
| "advertisements would be considered digital content. online. Depending on the functionality, users can consume," | |
| "create, copy, download, share, or comment on the provided" | |
| "digital content." | |
| "Note: Terms defined in the glossary are italicized the first" | |
| "time they appear in a standard in each section of the Code." | |
| "" | |
| "" | |
| "" | |
| "" | |
| "Updated 08/2024, Copyright © 2020, BACB® | All rights reserved. Behavior Analyst Certification Board | Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts | 8" | |
| " Ethics Standards" | |
| "Section 1—Responsibility as a Professional" | |
| "1.01 Being Truthful" | |
| "Behavior analysts are truthful and arrange the professional environment to promote truthful behavior in others. They do" | |
| "not create professional situations that result in others engaging in behavior that is fraudulent or illegal or that violates the" | |
| "Code. They also provide truthful and accurate information to all required entities (e.g., BACB, licensure boards, funders)" | |
| "and individuals (e.g., clients, stakeholders, supervisees, trainees), and they correct instances of untruthful or inaccurate" | |
| "submissions as soon as they become aware of them." | |
| "" | |
| "1.02 Conforming with Legal and Professional Requirements" | |
| "Behavior analysts follow the law and the requirements of their professional community (e.g., BACB, licensure board)." | |
| "" | |
| "1.03 Accountability" | |
| "Behavior analysts are accountable for their actions and professional services and follow through on work commitments. When" | |
| "errors occur or commitments cannot be met, behavior analysts take all appropriate actions to directly address them, first in" | |
| "the best interest of clients, and then in the best interest of relevant parties." | |
| "" | |
| "1.04 Practicing within a Defined Role" | |
| "Behavior analysts provide services only after defining and documenting their professional role with relevant parties in writing." | |
| "" | |
| "1.05 Practicing within Scope of Competence" | |
| "Behavior analysts practice only within their identified scope of competence. They engage in professional activities in" | |
| "new areas (e.g., populations, procedures) only after accessing and documenting appropriate study, training, supervised" | |
| "experience, consultation, and/or co-treatment from professionals competent in the new area. Otherwise, they refer or" | |
| "transition services to an appropriate professional." | |
| "" | |
| "1.06 Maintaining Competence" | |
| "Behavior analysts actively engage in professional development activities to maintain and further their professional" | |
| "competence. Professional development activities include reading relevant literature; attending conferences and conventions;" | |
| "participating in workshops and other training opportunities; obtaining additional coursework; receiving coaching, consultation," | |
| "supervision, or mentorship; and obtaining and maintaining appropriate professional credentials." | |
| "" | |
| "1.07 Cultural Responsiveness and Diversity" | |
| "Behavior analysts actively engage in professional development activities to acquire knowledge and skills related to cultural" | |
| "responsiveness and diversity. They evaluate their own biases and ability to address the needs of individuals with diverse needs/" | |
| "backgrounds (e.g., age, disability, ethnicity, gender expression/identity, immigration status, marital/relationship status, national" | |
| "origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status). Behavior analysts also evaluate biases of their supervisees and" | |
| "trainees, as well as their supervisees’ and trainees’ ability to address the needs of individuals with diverse needs/backgrounds." | |
| "" | |
| "1.08 Nondiscrimination" | |
| "Behavior analysts do not discriminate against others. They behave toward others in an equitable and inclusive manner" | |
| "regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender expression/identity, immigration status, marital/relationship status, national" | |
| "origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, or any other basis proscribed by law." | |
| "" | |
| "1.09 Nonharassment" | |
| "Behavior analysts do not engage in behavior that is harassing or hostile toward others." | |
| "" | |
| "1.10 Awareness of Personal Biases and Challenges" | |
| "Behavior analysts maintain awareness that their personal biases or challenges (e.g., mental or physical health conditions;" | |
| "legal, financial, marital/relationship challenges) may interfere with the effectiveness of their professional work. Behavior" | |
| "analysts take appropriate steps to resolve interference, ensure that their professional work is not compromised, and" | |
| "document all actions taken in this circumstance and the eventual outcomes." | |
| "" | |
| "" | |
| "" | |
| "" | |
| "Updated 08/2024, Copyright © 2020, BACB® | All rights reserved. Behavior Analyst Certification Board | Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts | 9" | |
| " 1.11 Multiple Relationships" | |
| "Because multiple relationships may result in a conflict of interest that might harm one or more parties, behavior analysts" | |
| "avoid entering into or creating multiple relationships, including professional, personal, and familial relationships with clients" | |
| "and colleagues. Behavior analysts communicate the risks of multiple relationships to relevant individuals and continually" | |
| "monitor for the development of multiple relationships. If multiple relationships arise, behavior analysts take appropriate steps" | |
| "to resolve them. When immediately resolving a multiple relationship is not possible, behavior analysts develop appropriate" | |
| "safeguards to identify and avoid conflicts of interest in compliance with the Code and develop a plan to eventually resolve" | |
| "the multiple relationship. Behavior analysts document all actions taken in this circumstance and the eventual outcomes." | |
| "" | |
| "1.12 Giving and Receiving Gifts" | |
| "Because the exchange of gifts can invite conflicts of interest and multiple relationships, behavior analysts do not give gifts to" | |
| "or accept gifts from clients, stakeholders, supervisees, or trainees with a monetary value of more than $10 US dollars (or the" | |
| "equivalent purchasing power in another currency). Behavior analysts make clients and stakeholders aware of this requirement" | |
| "at the onset of the professional relationship. A gift is acceptable if it functions as an infrequent expression of gratitude and" | |
| "does not result in financial benefit to the recipient. Instances of giving or accepting ongoing or cumulative gifts may rise to the" | |
| "level of a violation of this standard if the gifts become a regularly expected source of income or value to the recipient." | |
| "" | |
| "1.13 Coercive and Exploitative Relationships" | |
| "Behavior analysts do not abuse their power or authority by coercing or exploiting persons over whom they have authority" | |
| "(e.g., evaluative, supervisory)." | |
| "" | |
| "1.14 Romantic and Sexual Relationships" | |
| "Behavior analysts do not engage in romantic or sexual relationships with current clients, stakeholders, trainees, or" | |
| "supervisees because such relationships pose a substantial risk of conflicts of interest and impaired judgment. Behavior" | |
| "analysts do not engage in romantic or sexual relationships with former clients or stakeholders for a minimum of two years" | |
| "from the date the professional relationship ended. Behavior analysts do not engage in romantic or sexual relationships with" | |
| "former supervisees or trainees until the parties can document that the professional relationship has ended (i.e., completion" | |
| "of all professional duties). Behavior analysts do not accept as supervisees or trainees individuals with whom they have had a" | |
| "past romantic or sexual relationship until at least six months after the relationship has ended." | |
| "" | |
| "1.15 Responding to Requests" | |
| "Behavior analysts make appropriate efforts to respond to requests for information from and comply with deadlines of relevant" | |
| "individuals (e.g., clients, stakeholders, supervisees, trainees) and entities (e.g., BACB, licensure boards, funders). They also" | |
| "comply with practice requirements (e.g., attestations, criminal background checks) imposed by the BACB, employers, or" | |
| "governmental entities." | |
| "" | |
| "1.16 Self-Reporting Critical Information" | |
| "Behavior analysts remain knowledgeable about and comply with all self-reporting requirements of relevant entities (e.g.," | |
| "BACB, licensure boards, funders)." | |
| "" | |
| "Section 2—Responsibility in Practice" | |
| "2.01 Providing Effective Treatment" | |
| "Behavior analysts prioritize clients’ rights and needs in service delivery. They provide services that are conceptually consistent" | |
| "with behavioral principles, based on scientific evidence, and designed to maximize desired outcomes for and protect all clients," | |
| "stakeholders, supervisees, trainees, and research participants from harm. Behavior analysts implement nonbehavioral services" | |
| "with clients only if they have the required education, formal training, and professional credentials to deliver such services." | |
| "" | |
| "2.02 Timeliness" | |
| "Behavior analysts deliver services and carry out necessary service-related administrative responsibilities in a timely manner." | |
| "" | |
| "2.03 Protecting Confidential Information" | |
| "Behavior analysts take appropriate steps to protect the confidentiality of clients, stakeholders, supervisees, trainees, and" | |
| "research participants; prevent the accidental or inadvertent sharing of confidential information; and comply with applicable" | |
| "" | |
| "" | |
| "" | |
| "" | |
| "Updated 08/2024, Copyright © 2020, BACB® | All rights reserved. Behavior Analyst Certification Board | Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts | 10" | |
| " confidentiality requirements (e.g., laws, regulations, organization policies). The scope of confidentiality includes service" | |
| "delivery (e.g., live, teleservices, recorded sessions); documentation and data; and verbal, written, or electronic communication." | |
| "" | |
| "2.04 Disclosing Confidential Information" | |
| "Behavior analysts only share confidential information about clients, stakeholders, supervisees, trainees, or research" | |
| "participants: (1) when informed consent is obtained; (2) when attempting to protect the client or others from harm; (3) when" | |
| "attempting to resolve contractual issues; (4) when attempting to prevent a crime that is reasonably likely to cause physical," | |
| "mental, or financial harm to another; or (5) when compelled to do so by law or court order. When behavior analysts are" | |
| "authorized to discuss confidential information with a third party, they only share information critical to the purpose of" | |
| "the communication." | |
| "" | |
| "2.05 Documentation Protection and Retention" | |
| "Behavior analysts are knowledgeable about and comply with all applicable requirements (e.g., BACB rules, laws, regulations," | |
| "contracts, funder and organization requirements) for storing, transporting, retaining, and destroying physical and electronic" | |
| "documentation related to their professional activities. They destroy physical documentation after making electronic copies or" | |
| "summaries of data (e.g., reports and graphs) only when allowed by applicable requirements. When a behavior analyst leaves" | |
| "an organization these responsibilities remain with the organization." | |
| "" | |
| "2.06 Accuracy in Service Billing and Reporting" | |
| "Behavior analysts identify their services accurately and include all required information on reports, bills, invoices, requests" | |
| "for reimbursement, and receipts. They do not implement or bill nonbehavioral services under an authorization or contract for" | |
| "behavioral services. If inaccuracies in reporting or billing are discovered, they inform all relevant parties (e.g., organizations," | |
| "licensure boards, funders), correct the inaccuracy in a timely manner, and document all actions taken in this circumstance and" | |
| "the eventual outcomes." | |
| "" | |
| "2.07 Fees" | |
| "Behavior analysts implement fee practices and share fee information in compliance with applicable laws and regulations." | |
| "They do not misrepresent their fees. In situations where behavior analysts are not directly responsible for fees, they must" | |
| "communicate these requirements to the responsible party and take steps to resolve any inaccuracy or conflict. They" | |
| "document all actions taken in this circumstance and the eventual outcomes." | |
| "" | |
| "2.08 Communicating About Services" | |
| "Behavior analysts use understandable language in, and ensure comprehension of, all communications with clients," | |
| "stakeholders, supervisees, trainees, and research participants. Before providing services, they clearly describe the scope" | |
| "of services and specify the conditions under which services will end. They explain all assessment and behavior-change" | |
| "intervention procedures before implementing them and explain assessment and intervention results when they are available." | |
| "They provide an accurate and current set of their credentials and a description of their area of competence upon request." | |
| "" | |
| "2.09 Involving Clients and Stakeholders" | |
| "Behavior analysts make appropriate efforts to involve clients and relevant stakeholders throughout the service relationship," | |
| "including selecting goals, selecting and designing assessments and behavior-change interventions, and conducting continual" | |
| "progress monitoring." | |
| "" | |
| "2.10 Collaborating with Colleagues" | |
| "Behavior analysts collaborate with colleagues from their own and other professions in the best interest of clients and" | |
| "stakeholders. Behavior analysts address conflicts by compromising when possible and always prioritizing the best interest of" | |
| "the client. Behavior analysts document all actions taken in these circumstances and their eventual outcomes." | |
| "" | |
| "2.11 Obtaining Informed Consent" | |
| "Behavior analysts are responsible for knowing about and complying with all conditions under which they are required" | |
| "to obtain informed consent from clients, stakeholders, and research participants (e.g., before initial implementation of" | |
| "assessments or behavior-change interventions, when making substantial changes to interventions, when exchanging or" | |
| "releasing confidential information or records). They are responsible for explaining, obtaining, reobtaining, and documenting" | |
| "required informed consent. They are responsible for obtaining assent from clients when applicable." | |
| "" | |
| "" | |
| "" | |
| "" | |
| "Updated 08/2024, Copyright © 2020, BACB® | All rights reserved. Behavior Analyst Certification Board | Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts | 11" | |
| " 2.12 Considering Medical Needs" | |
| "Behavior analysts ensure, to the best of their ability, that medical needs are assessed and addressed if there is any" | |
| "reasonable likelihood that a referred behavior is influenced by medical or biological variables. They document referrals made" | |
| "to a medical professional and follow up with the client after making the referral." | |
| "" | |
| "2.13 Selecting, Designing, and Implementing Assessments" | |
| "Before selecting or designing behavior-change interventions behavior analysts select and design assessments that are" | |
| "conceptually consistent with behavioral principles; that are based on scientific evidence; and that best meet the diverse" | |
| "needs, context, and resources of the client and stakeholders. They select, design, and implement assessments with a focus" | |
| "on maximizing benefits and minimizing risk of harm to the client and stakeholders. They summarize the procedures and" | |
| "results in writing." | |
| "" | |
| "2.14 Selecting, Designing, and Implementing Behavior-Change Interventions" | |
| "Behavior analysts select, design, and implement behavior-change interventions that: (1) are conceptually consistent with" | |
| "behavioral principles; (2) are based on scientific evidence; (3) are based on assessment results; (4) prioritize positive" | |
| "reinforcement procedures; and (5) best meet the diverse needs, context, and resources of the client and stakeholders." | |
| "Behavior analysts also consider relevant factors (e.g., risks, benefits, and side effects; client and stakeholder preference;" | |
| "implementation efficiency; cost effectiveness) and design and implement behavior-change interventions to produce" | |
| "outcomes likely to maintain under naturalistic conditions. They summarize the behavior-change intervention procedures in" | |
| "writing (e.g., a behavior plan)." | |
| "" | |
| "2.15 Minimizing Risk of Behavior-Change Interventions" | |
| "Behavior analysts select, design, and implement behavior-change interventions (including the selection and use of" | |
| "consequences) with a focus on minimizing risk of harm to the client and stakeholders. They recommend and implement" | |
| "restrictive or punishment-based procedures only after demonstrating that desired results have not been obtained using less" | |
| "intrusive means, or when it is determined by an existing intervention team that the risk of harm to the client outweighs the risk" | |
| "associated with the behavior-change intervention. When recommending and implementing restrictive or punishment-based" | |
| "procedures, behavior analysts comply with any required review processes (e.g., a human rights review committee). Behavior" | |
| "analysts must continually evaluate and document the effectiveness of restrictive or punishment-based procedures and modify" | |
| "or discontinue the behavior-change intervention in a timely manner if it is ineffective." | |
| "" | |
| "2.16 Describing Behavior-Change Interventions Before Implementation" | |
| "Before implementation, behavior analysts describe in writing the objectives and procedures of the behavior-change" | |
| "intervention, any projected timelines, and the schedule of ongoing review. They provide this information and explain the" | |
| "environmental conditions necessary for effective implementation of the behavior-change intervention to the stakeholders" | |
| "and client (when appropriate). They also provide explanations when modifying existing or introducing new behavior-change" | |
| "interventions and obtain informed consent when appropriate." | |
| "" | |
| "2.17 Collecting and Using Data" | |
| "Behavior analysts actively ensure the appropriate selection and correct implementation of data collection procedures. They" | |
| "graphically display, summarize, and use the data to make decisions about continuing, modifying, or terminating services." | |
| "" | |
| "2.18 Continual Evaluation of the Behavior-Change Intervention" | |
| "Behavior analysts engage in continual monitoring and evaluation of behavior-change interventions. If data indicate that" | |
| "desired outcomes are not being realized, they actively assess the situation and take appropriate corrective action. When" | |
| "a behavior analyst is concerned that services concurrently delivered by another professional are negatively impacting" | |
| "the behavior-change intervention, the behavior analyst takes appropriate steps to review and address the issue with the" | |
| "other professional." | |
| "" | |
| "2.19 Addressing Conditions Interfering with Service Delivery" | |
| "Behavior analysts actively identify and address environmental conditions (e.g., the behavior of others, hazards to the client or" | |
| "staff, disruptions) that may interfere with or prevent service delivery. In such situations, behavior analysts remove or minimize" | |
| "the conditions, identify effective modifications to the intervention, and/or consider obtaining or recommending assistance" | |
| "from other professionals. Behavior analysts document the conditions, all actions taken, and the eventual outcomes." | |
| "" | |
| "" | |
| "" | |
| "" | |
| "Updated 08/2024, Copyright © 2020, BACB® | All rights reserved. Behavior Analyst Certification Board | Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts | 12" | |
| " Section 3—Responsibility to Clients and Stakeholders" | |
| "3.01 Responsibility to Clients (see 1.03, 2.01)" | |
| "Behavior analysts act in the best interest of clients, taking appropriate steps to support clients’ rights, maximize benefits," | |
| "and do no harm. They are also knowledgeable about and comply with applicable laws and regulations related to mandated" | |
| "reporting requirements." | |
| "" | |
| "3.02 Identifying Stakeholders" | |
| "Behavior analysts identify stakeholders when providing services. When multiple stakeholders (e.g., parent or legally" | |
| "authorized representative, teacher, principal) are involved, the behavior analyst identifies their relative obligations" | |
| "to each stakeholder. They document and communicate those obligations to stakeholders at the outset of the" | |
| "professional relationship." | |
| "" | |
| "3.03 Accepting Clients (see 1.05, 1.06)" | |
| "Behavior analysts only accept clients whose requested services are within their identified scope of competence and" | |
| "available resources (e.g., time and capacity for case supervision, staffing). When behavior analysts are directed to accept" | |
| "clients outside of their identified scope of competence and available resources, they take appropriate steps to discuss" | |
| "and resolve the concern with relevant parties. Behavior analysts document all actions taken in this circumstance and the" | |
| "eventual outcomes." | |
| "" | |
| "3.04 Service Agreement (see 1.04)" | |
| "Before implementing services, behavior analysts ensure that there is a signed service agreement with the client and/" | |
| "or relevant stakeholders outlining the responsibilities of all parties, the scope of behavioral services to be provided," | |
| "the behavior analyst’s obligations under the Code, and procedures for submitting complaints about a behavior analyst’s" | |
| "professional practices to relevant entities (e.g., BACB, service organization, licensure board, funder). They update service" | |
| "agreements as needed or as required by relevant parties (e.g., service organizations, licensure boards, funders). Updated" | |
| "service agreements must be reviewed with and signed by the client and/or relevant stakeholders." | |
| "" | |
| "3.05 Financial Agreements (see 1.04, 2.07)" | |
| "Before beginning services, behavior analysts document agreed-upon compensation and billing practices with their clients," | |
| "relevant stakeholders, and/or funders. When funding circumstances change, they must be revisited with these parties. Pro" | |
| "bono and bartered services are only provided under a specific service agreement and in compliance with the Code." | |
| "" | |
| "3.06 Consulting with Other Providers (see 1.05, 2.04, 2.10, 2.11, 2.12)" | |
| "Behavior analysts arrange for appropriate consultation with and referrals to other providers in the best interests of their" | |
| "clients, with appropriate informed consent, and in compliance with applicable requirements (e.g., laws, regulations, contracts," | |
| "organization and funder policies)." | |
| "" | |
| "3.07 Third-Party Contracts for Services (see 1.04, 1.11, 2.04, 2.07)" | |
| "When behavior analysts enter into a signed contract to provide services to a client at the request of a third party (e.g., school" | |
| "district, governmental entity), they clarify the nature of the relationship with each party and assess any potential conflicts" | |
| "before services begin. They ensure that the contract outlines (1) the responsibilities of all parties, (2) the scope of behavioral" | |
| "services to be provided, (3) the likely use of the information obtained, (4) the behavior analysts’ obligations under the Code," | |
| "and (5) any limits about maintaining confidentiality. Behavior analysts are responsible for amending contracts as needed and" | |
| "reviewing them with the relevant parties at that time." | |
| "" | |
| "3.08 Responsibility to the Client with Third-Party Contracts for Services (see 1.05, 1.11, 2.01)" | |
| "Behavior analysts place the client’s care and welfare above all others. If the third party requests services from the behavior" | |
| "analyst that are incompatible with the behavior analyst’s recommendations, that are outside of the behavior analyst’s scope of" | |
| "competence, or that could result in a multiple relationship, behavior analysts resolve such conflicts in the best interest of the" | |
| "client. If a conflict cannot be resolved, the behavior analyst may obtain additional training or consultation, discontinue services" | |
| "following appropriate transition measures, or refer the client to another behavior analyst. Behavior analysts document all" | |
| "actions taken in this circumstance and the eventual outcomes." | |
| "" | |
| "" | |
| "" | |
| "" | |
| "Updated 08/2024, Copyright © 2020, BACB® | All rights reserved. Behavior Analyst Certification Board | Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts | 13" | |
| " 3.09 Communicating with Stakeholders About Third-Party Contracted Services (2.04, 2.08, 2.09, 2.11)" | |
| "When providing services at the request of a third party to a minor or individual who does not have the legal right to make" | |
| "personal decisions, behavior analysts ensure that the parent or legally authorized representative is informed of the rationale" | |
| "for and scope of services to be provided, as well as their right to receive copies of all service documentation and data." | |
| "Behavior analysts are knowledgeable about and comply with all requirements related to informed consent, regardless of who" | |
| "requested the services." | |
| "" | |
| "3.10 Limitations of Confidentiality (see 1.02, 2.03, 2.04)" | |
| "Behavior analysts inform clients and stakeholders of the limitations of confidentiality at the outset of the professional" | |
| "relationship and when information disclosures are required." | |
| "" | |
| "3.11 Documenting Professional Activity (see 1.04, 2.03, 2.05, 2.06, 2.10)" | |
| "Throughout the service relationship, behavior analysts create and maintain detailed and high-quality documentation of their" | |
| "professional activities to facilitate provision of services by them or by other professionals, to ensure accountability, and to" | |
| "meet applicable requirements (e.g., laws, regulations, funder and organization policies). Documentation must be created and" | |
| "maintained in a manner that allows for timely communication and transition of services, should the need arise." | |
| "" | |
| "3.12 Advocating for Appropriate Services (1.04, 1.05, 2.01, 2.08)" | |
| "Behavior analysts advocate for and educate clients and stakeholders about evidence-based assessment and behavior-" | |
| "change intervention procedures. They also advocate for the appropriate amount and level of behavioral service provision" | |
| "and oversight required to meet defined client goals." | |
| "" | |
| "3.13 Referrals (see 1.05, 1.11, 2.01, 2.04, 2.10)" | |
| "Behavior analysts make referrals based on the needs of the client and/or relevant stakeholders and include multiple" | |
| "providers when available. Behavior analysts disclose to the client and relevant stakeholders any relationships they have" | |
| "with potential providers and any fees or incentives they may receive for the referrals. They document any referrals made," | |
| "including relevant relationships and fees or incentives received, and make appropriate efforts to follow up with the client and/" | |
| "or relevant stakeholders." | |
| "" | |
| "3.14 Facilitating Continuity of Services (see 1.03, 2.02, 2.05, 2,08, 2.10)" | |
| "Behavior analysts act in the best interests of the client to avoid interruption or disruption of services. They make appropriate" | |
| "and timely efforts to facilitate the continuation of behavioral services in the event of planned interruptions (e.g., relocation," | |
| "temporary leave of absence) and unplanned interruptions (e.g., illness, funding disruption, parent request, emergencies)." | |
| "They ensure that service agreements or contracts include a general plan of action for service interruptions. When a service" | |
| "interruption occurs, they communicate to all relevant parties the steps being taken to facilitate continuity of services. Behavior" | |
| "analysts document all actions taken in this circumstance and the eventual outcomes." | |
| "" | |
| "3.15 Appropriately Discontinuing Services (see 1.03, 2.02, 2.05. 2.10, 2.19)" | |
| "Behavior analysts include the circumstances for discontinuing services in their service agreement. They consider" | |
| "discontinuing services when: (1) the client has met all behavior-change goals, (2) the client is not benefiting from the service," | |
| "(3) the behavior analyst and/or their supervisees or trainees are exposed to potentially harmful conditions that cannot be" | |
| "reasonably resolved, (4) the client and/or relevant stakeholder requests discontinuation, (5) the relevant stakeholders are" | |
| "not complying with the behavior-change intervention despite appropriate efforts to address barriers, or (6) services are no" | |
| "longer funded. Behavior analysts provide the client and/or relevant stakeholders with a written plan for discontinuing services," | |
| "document acknowledgment of the plan, review the plan throughout the discharge process, and document all steps taken." | |
| "" | |
| "3.16 Appropriately Transitioning Services (see 1.03, 2.02, 2.05. 2.10)" | |
| "Behavior analysts include in their service agreement the circumstances for transitioning the client to another behavior analyst" | |
| "within or outside of their organization. They make appropriate efforts to effectively manage transitions; provide a written plan" | |
| "that includes target dates, transition activities, and responsible parties; and review the plan throughout the transition. When" | |
| "relevant, they take appropriate steps to minimize disruptions to services during the transition by collaborating with relevant" | |
| "service providers." | |
| "" | |
| "" | |
| "" | |
| "" | |
| "Updated 08/2024, Copyright © 2020, BACB® | All rights reserved. Behavior Analyst Certification Board | Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts | 14" | |
| " Section 4—Responsibility to Supervisees and Trainees" | |
| "4.01 Compliance with Supervision Requirements (see 1.02)" | |
| "Behavior analysts are knowledgeable about and comply with all applicable supervisory requirements (e.g., BACB rules," | |
| "licensure requirements, funder and organization policies), including those related to supervision modalities and structure (e.g.," | |
| "in person, video conference, individual, group)." | |
| "" | |
| "4.02 Supervisory Competence (see 1.05, 1.06)" | |
| "Behavior analysts supervise and train others only within their identified scope of competence. They provide supervision" | |
| "only after obtaining knowledge and skills in effective supervisory practices, and they continually evaluate and improve their" | |
| "supervisory repertoires through professional development." | |
| "" | |
| "4.03 Supervisory Volume (see 1.02, 1.05, 2.01)" | |
| "Behavior analysts take on only the number of supervisees or trainees that allows them to provide effective supervision and" | |
| "training. They are knowledgeable about and comply with any relevant requirements (e.g., BACB rules, licensure requirements," | |
| "funder and organization policies). They consider relevant factors (e.g., their current client demands, their current supervisee or" | |
| "trainee caseload, time and logistical resources) on an ongoing basis and when deciding to add a supervisee or trainee. When" | |
| "behavior analysts determine that they have met their threshold volume for providing effective supervision, they document this" | |
| "self-assessment and communicate the results to their employer or other relevant parties." | |
| "" | |
| "4.04 Accountability in Supervision (see 1.03)" | |
| "Behavior analysts are accountable for their supervisory practices. They are also accountable for the professional activities" | |
| "(e.g., client services, supervision, training, research activity, public statements) of their supervisees or trainees that occur as" | |
| "part of the supervisory relationship." | |
| "" | |
| "4.05 Maintaining Supervision Documentation (1.01, 1.02, 1.04, 2.03, 2.05, 3.11)" | |
| "Behavior analysts create, update, store, and dispose of documentation related to their supervisees or trainees by following all" | |
| "applicable requirements (e.g., BACB rules, licensure requirements, funder and organization policies), including those relating" | |
| "to confidentiality. They ensure that their documentation, and the documentation of their supervisees or trainees, is accurate" | |
| "and complete. They maintain documentation in a manner that allows for the effective transition of supervisory oversight" | |
| "if necessary. They retain their supervision documentation for at least 7 years and as otherwise required by law and other" | |
| "relevant parties and instruct their supervisees or trainees to do the same." | |
| "" | |
| "4.06 Providing Supervision and Training (see 1.02, 1.13 2.01)" | |
| "Behavior analysts deliver supervision and training in compliance with applicable requirements (e.g., BACB rules, licensure" | |
| "requirements, funder and organization policies). They design and implement supervision and training procedures that are" | |
| "evidence based, focus on positive reinforcement, and are individualized for each supervisee or trainee and their circumstances." | |
| "" | |
| "4.07 Incorporating and Addressing Diversity (see 1.05, 1.06, 1.07, 1.10)" | |
| "During supervision and training, behavior analysts actively incorporate and address topics related to diversity (e.g., age," | |
| "disability, ethnicity, gender expression/identity, immigration status, marital/relationship status, national origin, race, religion," | |
| "sexual orientation, socioeconomic status)." | |
| "" | |
| "4.08 Performance Monitoring and Feedback (see 2.02, 2.05, 2.17, 2.18)" | |
| "Behavior analysts engage in and document ongoing, evidence-based data collection and performance monitoring (e.g.," | |
| "observations, structured evaluations) of supervisees or trainees. They provide timely informal and formal praise and feedback" | |
| "designed to improve performance and document formal feedback delivered. When performance problems arise, behavior" | |
| "analysts develop, communicate, implement, and evaluate an improvement plan with clearly identified procedures for" | |
| "addressing the problem." | |
| "" | |
| "4.09 Delegation of Tasks (see 1.03)" | |
| "Behavior analysts delegate tasks to their supervisees or trainees only after confirming that they can competently perform the" | |
| "tasks and that the delegation complies with applicable requirements (e.g., BACB rules, licensure requirements, funder and" | |
| "organization policies)." | |
| "" | |
| "" | |
| "" | |
| "" | |
| "Updated 08/2024, Copyright © 2020, BACB® | All rights reserved. Behavior Analyst Certification Board | Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts | 15" | |
| " 4.10 Evaluating Effects of Supervision and Training (see 1.03, 2.17, 2.18)" | |
| "Behavior analysts actively engage in continual evaluation of their own supervisory practices using feedback from others and" | |
| "client and supervisee or trainee outcomes. Behavior analysts document those self-evaluations and make timely adjustments" | |
| "to their supervisory and training practices as indicated." | |
| "" | |
| "4.11 Facilitating Continuity of Supervision (see 1.03, 2.02, 3.14)" | |
| "Behavior analysts minimize interruption or disruption of supervision and make appropriate and timely efforts to facilitate the" | |
| "continuation of supervision in the event of planned interruptions (e.g., temporary leave) or unplanned interruptions (e.g.," | |
| "illness, emergencies). When an interruption or disruption occurs, they communicate to all relevant parties the steps being" | |
| "taken to facilitate continuity of supervision." | |
| "" | |
| "4.12 Appropriately Terminating Supervision (see 1.03, 2.02, 3.15)" | |
| "When behavior analysts determine, for any reason, to terminate supervision or other services that include supervision, they" | |
| "work with all relevant parties to develop a plan for terminating supervision that minimizes negative impacts to the supervisee" | |
| "or trainee. They document all actions taken in this circumstance and the eventual outcomes." | |
| "" | |
| "Section 5—Responsibility in Public Statements" | |
| "5.01 Protecting the Rights of Clients, Stakeholders, Supervisees, and Trainees (see 1.03, 3.01)" | |
| "Behavior analysts take appropriate steps to protect the rights of their clients, stakeholders, supervisees, and trainees in all" | |
| "public statements. Behavior analysts prioritize the rights of their clients in all public statements." | |
| "" | |
| "5.02 Confidentiality in Public Statements (see 2.03, 2.04, 3.10)" | |
| "In all public statements, behavior analysts protect the confidentiality of their clients, supervisees, and trainees, except when" | |
| "allowed. They make appropriate efforts to prevent accidental or inadvertent sharing of confidential or identifying information." | |
| "" | |
| "5.03 Public Statements by Behavior Analysts (see 1.01, 1.02)" | |
| "When providing public statements about their professional activities, or those of others with whom they are affiliated, behavior" | |
| "analysts take reasonable precautions to ensure that the statements are truthful and do not mislead or exaggerate either" | |
| "because of what they state, convey, suggest, or omit; and are based on existing research and a behavioral conceptualization." | |
| "Behavior analysts do not provide specific advice related to a client’s needs in public forums." | |
| "" | |
| "5.04 Public Statements by Others (see 1.03)" | |
| "Behavior analysts are responsible for public statements that promote their professional activities or products, regardless" | |
| "of who creates or publishes the statements. Behavior analysts make reasonable efforts to prevent others (e.g., employers," | |
| "marketers, clients, stakeholders) from making deceptive statements concerning their professional activities or products. If" | |
| "behavior analysts learn of such statements, they make reasonable efforts to correct them. Behavior analysts document all" | |
| "actions taken in this circumstance and the eventual outcomes." | |
| "" | |
| "5.05 Use of Intellectual Property (see 1.01, 1.02, 1.03)" | |
| "Behavior analysts are knowledgeable about and comply with intellectual property laws, including obtaining permission to" | |
| "use materials that have been trademarked or copyrighted or can otherwise be claimed as another’s intellectual property as" | |
| "defined by law. Appropriate use of such materials includes providing citations, attributions, and/or trademark or copyright" | |
| "symbols. Behavior analysts do not unlawfully obtain or disclose proprietary information, regardless of how it became" | |
| "known to them." | |
| "" | |
| "5.06 Advertising Nonbehavioral Services (see 1.01, 1.02, 2.01)" | |
| "Behavior analysts do not advertise nonbehavioral services as behavioral services. If behavior analysts provide nonbehavioral" | |
| "services, those services must be clearly distinguished from their behavioral services and BACB certification with the following" | |
| "disclaimer: “These interventions are not behavioral in nature and are not covered by my BACB certification.” This disclaimer" | |
| "is placed alongside the names and descriptions of all nonbehavioral interventions. If a behavior analyst is employed by an" | |
| "organization that violates this Code standard, the behavior analyst makes reasonable efforts to remediate the situation," | |
| "documenting all actions taken and the eventual outcomes." | |
| "" | |
| "" | |
| "" | |
| "" | |
| "Updated 08/2024, Copyright © 2020, BACB® | All rights reserved. Behavior Analyst Certification Board | Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts | 16" | |
| " 5.07 Soliciting Testimonials from Current Clients for Advertising (see 1.11, 1.13, 2.11, 3.01, 3.10)" | |
| "Because of the possibility of undue influence and implicit coercion, behavior analysts do not solicit testimonials from current" | |
| "clients or stakeholders for use in advertisements designed to obtain new clients. This does not include unsolicited reviews" | |
| "on websites where behavior analysts cannot control content, but such content should not be used or shared by the behavior" | |
| "analyst. If a behavior analyst is employed by an organization that violates this Code standard, the behavior analyst makes" | |
| "reasonable efforts to remediate the situation, documenting all actions taken and the eventual outcomes." | |
| "" | |
| "5.08 Using Testimonials from Former Clients for Advertising (see 2.03, 2.04, 2.11, 3.01, 3.10)" | |
| "When soliciting testimonials from former clients or stakeholders for use in advertisements designed to obtain new clients," | |
| "behavior analysts consider the possibility that former clients may re-enter services. These testimonials must be identified as" | |
| "solicited or unsolicited, include an accurate statement of the relationship between the behavior analyst and the testimonial" | |
| "author, and comply with all applicable privacy and confidentiality laws. When soliciting testimonials from former clients or" | |
| "stakeholders, behavior analysts provide them with clear and thorough descriptions about where and how the testimonial will" | |
| "appear, make them aware of any risks associated with the disclosure of their private information, and inform them that they can" | |
| "rescind the testimonial at any time. If a behavior analyst is employed by an organization that violates this Code standard, the" | |
| "behavior analyst makes reasonable efforts to remediate the situation, documenting all actions taken and the eventual outcomes." | |
| "" | |
| "5.09 Using Testimonials for Nonadvertising Purposes (see 1.02, 2.03. 2.04, 2.11, 3.01, 3.10)" | |
| "Behavior analysts may use testimonials from former or current clients and stakeholders for nonadvertising purposes (e.g.," | |
| "fundraising, grant applications, dissemination of information about ABA) in accordance with applicable laws. If a behavior" | |
| "analyst is employed by an organization that violates this Code standard, the behavior analyst makes reasonable efforts to" | |
| "remediate the situation, documenting all actions taken and the eventual outcomes." | |
| "" | |
| "5.10 Social Media Channels and Websites (see 1.02, 2.03, 2.04, 2.11, 3.01, 3.10)" | |
| "Behavior analysts are knowledgeable about the risks to privacy and confidentiality associated with the use of social media" | |
| "channels and websites and they use their respective professional and personal accounts accordingly. They do not publish" | |
| "information and/or digital content of clients on their personal social media accounts and websites. When publishing information" | |
| "and/or digital content of clients on their professional social media accounts and websites, behavior analysts ensure that" | |
| "for each publication they (1) obtain informed consent before publishing, (2) include a disclaimer that informed consent was" | |
| "obtained and that the information should not be captured and reused without express permission, (3) publish on social media" | |
| "channels in a manner that reduces the potential for sharing, and (4) make appropriate efforts to prevent and correct misuse of" | |
| "the shared information, documenting all actions taken and the eventual outcomes. Behavior analysts frequently monitor their" | |
| "social media accounts and websites to ensure the accuracy and appropriateness of shared information." | |
| "" | |
| "5.11 Using Digital Content in Public Statements (see 1.02, 1.03, 2.03, 2.04, 2.11, 3.01, 3.10)" | |
| "Before publicly sharing information about clients using digital content, behavior analysts ensure confidentiality, obtain" | |
| "informed consent before sharing, and only use the content for the intended purpose and audience. They ensure that" | |
| "all shared media is accompanied by a disclaimer indicating that informed consent was obtained. If a behavior analyst is" | |
| "employed by an organization that violates this Code standard, the behavior analyst makes reasonable efforts to remediate" | |
| "the situation, documenting all actions taken and the eventual outcomes." | |
| "" | |
| "Section 6—Responsibility in Research" | |
| "6.01 Conforming with Laws and Regulations in Research (see 1.02)" | |
| "Behavior analysts plan and conduct research in a manner consistent with all applicable laws and regulations, as well as" | |
| "requirements by organizations and institutions governing research activity." | |
| "" | |
| "6.02 Research Review (see 1.02, 1.04, 3.01)" | |
| "Behavior analysts conduct research, whether independent of or in the context of service delivery, only after approval by a" | |
| "formal research review committee." | |
| "" | |
| "6.03 Research in Service Delivery (see 1.02, 1.04, 2.01, 3.01)" | |
| "Behavior analysts conducting research in the context of service delivery must arrange research activities such that client" | |
| "services and client welfare are prioritized. In these situations, behavior analysts must comply with all ethics requirements for both" | |
| "" | |
| "" | |
| "" | |
| "" | |
| "Updated 08/2024, Copyright © 2020, BACB® | All rights reserved. Behavior Analyst Certification Board | Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts | 17" | |
| " service delivery and research within the Code. When professional services are offered as an incentive for research participation," | |
| "behavior analysts clarify the nature of the services, and any potential risks, obligations, and limitations for all parties." | |
| "" | |
| "6.04 Informed Consent in Research (see 1.04, 2.08, 2.11)" | |
| "Behavior analysts are responsible for obtaining informed consent (and assent when relevant) from potential research" | |
| "participants under the conditions required by the research review committee. When behavior analysts become aware that" | |
| "data obtained from past or current clients, stakeholders, supervisees, and/or trainees during typical service delivery might be" | |
| "disseminated to the scientific community, they obtain informed consent for use of the data before dissemination, specify that" | |
| "services will not be impacted by providing or withholding consent, and make available the right to withdraw consent at any" | |
| "time without penalty." | |
| "" | |
| "6.05 Confidentiality in Research (see 2.03, 2.04, 2.05)" | |
| "Behavior analysts prioritize the confidentiality of their research participants except under conditions where it may not be" | |
| "possible. They make appropriate efforts to prevent accidental or inadvertent sharing of confidential or identifying information" | |
| "while conducting research and in any dissemination activity related to the research (e.g., disguising or removing confidential" | |
| "or identifying information)." | |
| "" | |
| "6.06 Competence in Conducting Research (see 1.04, 1.05, 1.06, 3.01)" | |
| "Behavior analysts only conduct research independently after they have successfully conducted research under a supervisor" | |
| "in a defined relationship (e.g., thesis, dissertation, mentored research project). Behavior analysts and their assistants are" | |
| "permitted to perform only those research activities for which they are appropriately trained and prepared. Before engaging" | |
| "in research activities for which a behavior analyst has not received training, they seek the appropriate training and become" | |
| "demonstrably competent or they collaborate with other professionals who have the required competence. Behavior analysts" | |
| "are responsible for the ethical conduct of all personnel assigned to the research project." | |
| "" | |
| "6.07 Conflict of Interest in Research and Publication (see 1.01, 1.11, 1.13)" | |
| "When conducting research, behavior analysts identify, disclose, and address conflicts of interest (e.g., personal, financial," | |
| "organization related, service related). They also identify, disclose, and address conflicts of interest in their publication and" | |
| "editorial activities." | |
| "" | |
| "6.08 Appropriate Credit (see 1.01, 1.11, 1.13)" | |
| "Behavior analysts give appropriate credit (e.g., authorship, author-note acknowledgment) to research contributors in all" | |
| "dissemination activities. Authorship and other publication acknowledgments accurately reflect the relative scientific or" | |
| "professional contributions of the individuals involved, regardless of their professional status (e.g., professor, student)." | |
| "" | |
| "6.09 Plagiarism (see 1.01)" | |
| "Behavior analysts do not present portions or elements of another’s work or data as their own. Behavior analysts only" | |
| "republish their previously published data or text when accompanied by proper disclosure." | |
| "" | |
| "6.10 Documentation and Data Retention in Research (see 2.03, 2.05, 3.11, 4.05)" | |
| "Behavior analysts must be knowledgeable about and comply with all applicable standards (e.g., BACB rules, laws, research" | |
| "review committee requirements) for storing, transporting, retaining, and destroying physical and electronic documentation" | |
| "related to research. They retain identifying documentation and data for the longest required duration. Behavior analysts" | |
| "destroy physical documentation after making deidentified digital copies or summaries of data (e.g., reports and graphs) when" | |
| "permitted by relevant entities." | |
| "" | |
| "6.11 Accuracy and Use of Data (see 1.01, 2.17, 5.03)" | |
| "Behavior analysts do not fabricate data or falsify results in their research, publications, and presentations. They plan and carry" | |
| "out their research and describe their procedures and findings to minimize the possibility that their research and results will" | |
| "be misleading or misinterpreted. If they discover errors in their published data they take steps to correct them by following" | |
| "publisher policy. Data from research projects are presented to the public and scientific community in their entirety whenever" | |
| "possible. When that is not possible, behavior analysts take caution and explain the exclusion of data (whether single data" | |
| "points, or partial or whole data sets) from presentations or manuscripts submitted for publication by providing a rationale and" | |
| "description of what was excluded." | |
| "" | |
| "" | |
| "" | |
| "" | |
| "Updated 08/2024, Copyright © 2020, BACB® | All rights reserved. Behavior Analyst Certification Board | Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts | 18" | |
| " Copyright © 2020 by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board®, Inc. (“BACB®”), all rights reserved. Unauthorized reproduction," | |
| "copying, or transmission in any medium is strictly prohibited." | |
| "®The trademarks “Behavior Analyst Certification Board®, Inc.,” “BACB®.” “Board Certified Behavior Analyst®,” “BCBA®,” “Board" | |
| "Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst®,” “BCaBA®,” and “RBT®,” are owned by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board®." | |
| "Unauthorized use or misrepresentation is strictly prohibited." | |
| " " | |