Ethics Code

Question 1

Behavior analysts maintain the high standards of behavior of the profession.

Answer 1

1.0 Responsible Conduct of Behavior Analysts.

Question 2

All behavior analysts provide services, teach, and conduct research only within the boundaries of their
competence, defined as being commensurate with their education, training, and supervised experience.
(b) Behavior analysts provide services, teach, or conduct research in new areas (e.g., populations,
techniques, behaviors) only after first undertaking appropriate study, training, supervision, and/or
consultation from persons who are competent in those areas.

Answer 2

1.02 Boundaries of Competence

Question 3

Behavior analysts maintain knowledge of current scientific and professional information in their areas
of practice and undertake ongoing efforts to maintain competence in the skills they use by reading the
appropriate literature, attending conferences and conventions, participating in workshops, obtaining
additional coursework, and/or obtaining and maintaining appropriate professional credentials.

Answer 3

1.03 Maintaining Competence through Professional Development

Question 4

(a) Behavior analysts are truthful and honest and arrange the environment to promote truthful and honest
behavior in others.

Answer 4

1.04 Integrity.

Question 5

(b) Behavior analysts do not implement contingencies that would cause others to engage in fraudulent,
illegal, or unethical conduct.

Answer 5

1.04 Integrity.

Question 6

(c) Behavior analysts follow through on obligations, and contractual and professional commitments with
high quality work and refrain from making professional commitments they cannot keep.

Answer 6

1.04 Integrity.

Question 7

(d) Behavior analysts’ behavior conforms to the legal and ethical codes of the social and professional
community of which they are members. (See also, 10.02a Timely Responding, Reporting, and Updating
of Information Provided to the BACB)

Answer 7

1.04 Integrity.

Question 8

(e) If behavior analysts’ ethical responsibilities conflict with law or any policy of an organization with
which they are affiliated, behavior analysts make known their commitment to this Code and take steps
to resolve the conflict in a responsible manner in accordance with law.

Answer 8

1.04 Integrity.

Question 9

(a) Behavior analysts provide behavior-analytic services only in the context of a defined, professional,
or scientific relationship or role.

Answer 9

1.05 Professional and Scientific Relationships.

Question 10

(b) When behavior analysts provide behavior-analytic services, they use language that is fully
understandable to the recipient of those services while remaining conceptually systematic with
the profession of behavior analysis. They provide appropriate information prior to service delivery
about the nature of such services and appropriate information later about results and conclusions.

Answer 10

1.05 Professional and Scientific Relationships.

Question 11

(c) Where differences of age, gender, race, culture, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sexual
orientation, disability, language, or socioeconomic status significantly affect behavior analysts’ work
concerning particular individuals or groups, behavior analysts obtain the training, experience,
consultation, and/or supervision necessary to ensure the competence of their services, or they make
appropriate referrals.

Answer 11

1.05 Professional and Scientific Relationships.

Question 12

(d) In their work-related activities, behavior analysts do not engage in discrimination against
individuals or groups based on age, gender, race, culture, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sexual
orientation, disability, language, socioeconomic status, or any basis proscribed by law.

Answer 12

1.05 Professional and Scientific Relationships.

Question 13

(e) Behavior analysts do not knowingly engage in behavior that is harassing or demeaning to persons
with whom they interact in their work based on factors such as those persons’ age, gender, race,
culture, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, disability, language, or socioeconomic
status, in accordance with law.

Answer 13

1.05 Professional and Scientific Relationships.

Question 14

(f) Behavior analysts recognize that their personal problems and conflicts may interfere with their
effectiveness. Behavior analysts refrain from providing services when their personal circumstances
may compromise delivering services to the best of their abilities.

Answer 14

1.05 Professional and Scientific Relationships.

Question 15

(a) Due to the potentially harmful effects of multiple relationships, behavior analysts avoid multiple
relationships.

Answer 15

1.06 Multiple Relationships and Conflicts of Interest.

Question 16

(b) Behavior analysts must always be sensitive to the potentially harmful effects of multiple
relationships. If behavior analysts find that, due to unforeseen factors, a multiple relationship has
arisen, they seek to resolve it.

Answer 16

1.06 Multiple Relationships and Conflicts of Interest.

Question 17

(c) Behavior analysts recognize and inform clients and supervisees about the potential harmful effects
of multiple relationships.

Answer 17

1.06 Multiple Relationships and Conflicts of Interest.

Question 18

(d) Behavior analysts do not accept any gifts from or give any gifts to clients because this constitutes a
multiple relationship.

Answer 18

1.06 Multiple Relationships and Conflicts of Interest.

Question 19

(a) Behavior analysts do not exploit persons over whom they have supervisory, evaluative, or other
authority such as students, supervisees, employees, research participants, and clients.

Answer 19

1.07 Exploitative Relationships.

Question 20

(b) Behavior analysts do not engage in sexual relationships with clients, students, or supervisees,
because such relationships easily impair judgment or become exploitative.

Answer 20

1.07 Exploitative Relationships.

Question 21

(c) Behavior analysts refrain from any sexual relationships with clients, students, or supervisees, for at least two years after the date the professional relationship has formally ended.

Answer 21

1.07 Exploitative Relationships.

Question 22

(d) Behavior analysts do not barter for services, unless a written agreement is in place for the barter that
is (1) requested by the client or supervisee; (2) customary to the area where services are provided;
and (3) fair and commensurate with the value of behavior-analytic services provided.

Answer 22

1.07 Exploitative Relationships.

Question 23

Behavior analysts have a responsibility to operate in the best interest of clients. The term client as used
here is broadly applicable to whomever behavior analysts provide services, whether an individual
person (service recipient), a parent or guardian of a service recipient, an organizational representative, a
public or private organization, a firm, or a corporation.

Answer 23

2.0 Behavior Analysts’Responsibility to Clients.

Question 24

Behavior analysts accept as clients only those individuals or entities whose requested services are
commensurate with the behavior analysts’ education, training, experience, available resources,
and organizational policies. In lieu of these conditions, behavior analysts must function under the
supervision of or in consultation with a behavior analyst whose credentials permit performing such
services.

Answer 24

2.01 Accepting Clients

Question 25

Behavior analysts’ responsibility is to all parties affected by behavior-analytic services. When multiple parties are involved and could be defined as a client, a hierarchy of parties must be established and communicated from the outset of the defined relationship. Behavior analysts identify and communicate who the primary ultimate beneficiary of services is in any given situation and advocate for his or her best interests

Answer 25

2.02 Responsibility.

Question 26

(a) Behavior analysts arrange for appropriate consultations and referrals based principally on the best interests of their clients, with appropriate consent, and subject to other relevant considerations, including applicable law and contractual obligations.

Answer 26

2.03 Consultation.

Question 27

(b) When indicated and professionally appropriate, behavior analysts cooperate with other professionals, in a manner that is consistent with the philosophical assumptions and principles of behavior analysis, in order to effectively and appropriately serve their clients.

Answer 27

2.03 Consultation.

Question 28

(a) When behavior analysts agree to provide services to a person or entity at the request of a third party, behavior analysts clarify, to the extent feasible and at the outset of the service, the nature of the relationship with each party and any potential conflicts. This clarification includes the role of the behavior analyst (such as therapist, organizational consultant, or expert witness), the probable uses of the services provided or the information obtained, and the fact that there may be limits to confidentiality.

Answer 28

2.04 Third-Party Involvement in Services.

Question 29

(b) If there is a foreseeable risk of behavior analysts being called upon to perform conflicting roles because of the involvement of a third party, behavior analysts clarify the nature and direction of their responsibilities, keep all parties appropriately informed as matters develop, and resolve the situation in accordance with this Code.

Answer 29

2.04 Third-Party Involvement in Services.

Question 30

(c) When providing services to a minor or individual who is a member of a protected population at the request of a third party, behavior analysts ensure that the parent or client-surrogate of the ultimate recipient of services is informed of the nature and scope of services to be provided, as well as their right to all service records and data.

Answer 30

2.04 Third-Party Involvement in Services.

Question 31

(d) Behavior analysts put the client’s care above all others and, should the third party make requirements for services that are contraindicated by the behavior analyst’s recommendations, behavior analysts are obligated to resolve such conflicts in the best interest of the client. If said conflict cannot be resolved, that behavior analyst’s services to the client may be discontinued following appropriate transition.

Answer 31

2.04 Third-Party Involvement in Services.

Question 32

(a) The rights of the client are paramount and behavior analysts support clients’ legal rights and prerogatives.

Answer 32

2.05 Rights and Prerogatives of Clients.

Question 33

(b) Clients and supervisees must be provided, on request, an accurate and current set of the behavior analyst’s credentials.

Answer 33

2.05 Rights and Prerogatives of Clients.

Question 34

(c) Permission for electronic recording of interviews and service delivery sessions is secured from clients and relevant staff in all relevant settings. Consent for different uses must be obtained specifically and separately.

Answer 34

2.05 Rights and Prerogatives of Clients.

Question 35

(d) Clients and supervisees must be informed of their rights and about procedures to lodge complaints about professional practices of behavior analysts with the employer, appropriate authorities, and the BACB.

Answer 35

2.05 Rights and Prerogatives of Clients.

Question 36

(e) Behavior analysts comply with any requirements for criminal background checks.

Answer 36

2.05 Rights and Prerogatives of Clients.

Question 37

(a) Behavior analysts have a primary obligation and take reasonable precautions to protect the confidentiality of those with whom they work or consult, recognizing that confidentiality may be established by law, organizational rules, or professional or scientific relationships.

Answer 37

2.06 Maintaining Confidentiality.

Question 38

(b) Behavior analysts discuss confidentiality at the outset of the relationship and thereafter as new circumstances may warrant.

Answer 38

2.06 Maintaining Confidentiality.

Question 39

(c) In order to minimize intrusions on privacy, behavior analysts include only information germane to the purpose for which the communication is made in written, oral, and electronic reports, consultations, and other avenues.

Answer 39

2.06 Maintaining Confidentiality.

Question 40

(d) Behavior analysts discuss confidential information obtained in clinical or consulting relationships, or evaluative data concerning clients, students, research participants, supervisees, and employees, only for appropriate scientific or professional purposes and only with persons clearly concerned with such matters.

Answer 40

2.06 Maintaining Confidentiality.

Question 41

(e) Behavior analysts must not share or create situations likely to result in the sharing of any identifying information (written, photographic, or video) about current clients and supervisees within social media contexts.

Answer 41

2.06 Maintaining Confidentiality.

Question 42

(a) Behavior analysts maintain appropriate confidentiality in creating, storing, accessing, transferring, and disposing of records under their control, whether these are written, automated, electronic, or in any other medium.

Answer 42

2.07 Maintaining Records.

Question 43

(b) Behavior analysts maintain and dispose of records in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, corporate policies, and organizational policies, and in a manner that permits compliance with the requirements of this Code.

Answer 43

2.07 Maintaining Records.

Question 44

Behavior analysts never disclose confidential information without the consent of the client, except as mandated by law, or where permitted by law for a valid purpose, such as (1) to provide needed professional services to the client, (2) to obtain appropriate professional consultations, (3) to protect the client or others from harm, or (4) to obtain payment for services, in which instance disclosure is limited to the minimum that is necessary to achieve the purpose. Behavior analysts recognize that parameters of consent for disclosure should be acquired at the outset of any defined relationship and is an ongoing procedure throughout the duration of the professional relationship.

Answer 44

2.08 Disclosures.

Question 45

(a) Clients have a right to effective treatment (i.e., based on the research literature and adapted to the individual client). Behavior analysts always have the obligation to advocate for and educate the client about scientifically supported, most-effective treatment procedures. Effective treatment procedures have been validated as having both long-term and short-term benefits to clients and society.

Answer 45

2.09 Treatment/Intervention Efficacy.

Question 46

(b) Behavior analysts have the responsibility to advocate for the appropriate amount and level ofservice provision and oversight required to meet the defined behavior-change program goals.

Answer 46

2.09 Treatment/Intervention Efficacy.

Question 47

(c) In those instances where more than one scientifically supported treatment has been established, additional factors may be considered in selecting interventions, including, but not limited to, efficiency and cost-effectiveness, risks and side-effects of the interventions, client preference, and practitioner experience and training.

Answer 47

2.09 Treatment/Intervention Efficacy.

Question 48

(d) Behavior analysts review and appraise the effects of any treatments about which they are aware that might impact the goals of the behavior-change program, and their possible impact on the behavior change program, to the extent possible.

Answer 48

2.09 Treatment/Intervention Efficacy.

Question 49

(a) Behavior analysts appropriately document their professional work in order to facilitate provision of services later by them or by other professionals, to ensure accountability, and to meet other requirements of organizations or the law.

Answer 49

2.10 Documenting Professional Work and Research.

Question 50

(b) Behavior analysts have a responsibility to create and maintain documentation in the kind of detail and quality that would be consistent with best practices and the law.

Answer 50

2.10 Documenting Professional Work and Research.

Question 51

(a) Behavior analysts create, maintain, disseminate, store, retain, and dispose of records and data relating to their research, practice, and other work in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and policies; in a manner that permits compliance with the requirements of this Code; and in a manner that allows for appropriate transition of service oversight at any moment in time.

Answer 51

2.11 Records and Data.

Question 52

(b) Behavior analysts must retain records and data for at least seven (7) years and as otherwise required by law.

Answer 52

2.11 Records and Data.

Question 53

(a) Prior to the implementation of services, behavior analysts ensure that there is in place a signed contract outlining the responsibilities of all parties, the scope of behavior-analytic services to be provided, and behavior analysts’ obligations under this Code.

Answer 53

2.12 Contracts, Fees, and Financial Arrangements.

Question 54

(b) As early as is feasible in a professional or scientific relationship, behavior analysts reach an agreement with their clients specifying compensation and billing arrangements.

Answer 54

2.12 Contracts, Fees, and Financial Arrangements.

Question 55

(c) Behavior analysts’ fee practices are consistent with law and behavior analysts do not misrepresent their fees. If limitations to services can be anticipated because of limitations in funding, this is discussed with the client as early as is feasible.

Answer 55

2.12 Contracts, Fees, and Financial Arrangements.

Question 56

(d) When funding circumstances change, the financial responsibilities and limits must be revisited with the client.

Answer 56

2.12 Contracts, Fees, and Financial Arrangements.

Question 57

Behavior analysts accurately state the nature of the services provided, the fees or charges, the identity of the provider, relevant outcomes, and other required descriptive data.

Answer 57

2.13 Accuracy in Billing Reports.

Question 58

Behavior analysts must not receive or provide money, gifts, or other enticements for any professional referrals. Referrals should include multiple options and be made based on objective determination of the client need and subsequent alignment with the repertoire of the referee. When providing or receiving a referral, the extent of any relationship between the two parties is disclosed to the client.

Answer 58

2.14 Referrals and Fees.

Question 59

(a) Behavior analysts act in the best interests of the client and supervisee to avoid interruption or disruption of service.

Answer 59

2.15 Interrupting or Discontinuing Services.

Question 60

(b) Behavior analysts make reasonable and timely efforts for facilitating the continuation of behavioranalytic services in the event of unplanned interruptions (e.g., due to illness, impairment, unavailability, relocation, disruption of funding, disaster).

Answer 60

2.15 Interrupting or Discontinuing Services.

Question 61

(c) When entering into employment or contractual relationships, behavior analysts provide for orderly and appropriate resolution of responsibility for services in the event that the employment or contractual relationship ends, with paramount consideration given to the welfare of the ultimate beneficiary of services.

Answer 61

2.15 Interrupting or Discontinuing Services.

Question 62

(d) Discontinuation only occurs after efforts to transition have been made. Behavior analysts discontinue a professional relationship in a timely manner when the client: (1) no longer needs the service, (2) is not benefiting from the service, (3) is being harmed by continued service, or (4) when the client requests discontinuation. (See also, 4.11 Discontinuing Behavior-Change Programs and Behavior-Analytic Services)

Answer 62

2.15 Interrupting or Discontinuing Services.

Question 63

(e) Behavior analysts do not abandon clients and supervisees. Prior to discontinuation, for whatever reason, behavior analysts: discuss service needs, provide appropriate pre-termination services, suggest alternative service providers as appropriate, and, upon consent, take other reasonable steps to facilitate timely transfer of responsibility to another provider.

Answer 63

2.15 Interrupting or Discontinuing Services.