Episode 18: The Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts: Responsibility in Practice
Short Summary:
This podcast episode from the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) discusses Section 2 ("Responsibility in Practice") of the 2020 Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts, effective January 1st, 2022. The episode reviews each of the 19 standards within this section, highlighting changes, additions, and omissions compared to the previous code. Key areas covered include effective treatment, timeliness, confidentiality, documentation, billing, communication, client involvement, collaboration, informed consent, medical considerations, assessment and intervention selection and implementation, data collection and use, and addressing service delivery barriers. The podcast emphasizes the importance of client rights, scientific evidence-based practice, and proactive risk mitigation in all aspects of behavioral analysis practice. No specific technologies are mentioned, but the importance of accurate record-keeping (both physical and electronic) is stressed.
Detailed Summary:
The podcast is structured as a review of Section 2 of the new BACB Ethics Code, with Dr. Jim Carr (CEO) and Dr. Tyra Sellers (Director of Ethics) going through each of the 19 standards.
Section 1: Introduction and Overview: The episode introduces Section 2, emphasizing its importance and size (19 standards, the largest section). It highlights the section's focus on general requirements for practicing certificants and previews the structure of the discussion: reviewing each standard, focusing on edits, new additions, omissions, and providing a general overview.
Section 2: Standard 2.01 - 2.07 (Effective Treatment, Timeliness, Confidentiality, Disclosing Confidential Information, Documentation, Billing, Fees): These standards cover foundational ethical practices. 2.01 emphasizes prioritizing client needs and using scientifically-based, evidence-based services designed to maximize desired outcomes and minimize harm. 2.02 stresses timeliness in service delivery and administrative tasks. Standards 2.03 and 2.04 detail confidentiality and the limited exceptions for disclosure (informed consent, preventing harm, legal obligations). 2.05 addresses documentation protection and retention, emphasizing organizational responsibility even after a behavior analyst leaves. 2.06 focuses on accurate billing and reporting, including correcting inaccuracies promptly. 2.07 covers fee practices and compliance with relevant laws and regulations. Dr. Sellers highlights the importance of "placing clients' needs and rights as paramount" (2.01) and the "or" not "and" nature of the conditions for disclosing confidential information (2.04).
Section 3: Standard 2.08 - 2.12 (Communication, Client Involvement, Collaboration, Informed Consent, Medical Needs): These standards focus on communication and collaboration. 2.08 emphasizes understandable language and ensuring comprehension, including explaining services and procedures clearly. 2.09 stresses involving clients and stakeholders throughout the service process. 2.10 discusses collaboration with colleagues, prioritizing client best interests. 2.11 details obtaining informed consent, highlighting the importance of understanding the definitions of informed consent provided in the glossary. 2.12 addresses the need to assess and address medical needs when relevant. Dr. Sellers emphasizes the importance of "ensuring comprehension" in communication (2.08) and the broader scope of client involvement (2.09) throughout the service relationship.
Section 4: Standard 2.13 - 2.19 (Assessments, Interventions, Minimizing Risk, Describing Interventions, Data Collection, Continual Evaluation, Addressing Interfering Conditions): These standards detail the specifics of assessment and intervention. 2.13 and 2.14 cover selecting, designing, and implementing assessments and interventions, respectively, emphasizing scientific basis, positive reinforcement, and consideration of client needs and resources. 2.15 focuses on minimizing risk, particularly with restrictive or punishment-based procedures. 2.16 describes the need to document intervention procedures and obtain informed consent. 2.17 emphasizes accurate data collection and use in decision-making. 2.18 highlights continual evaluation and corrective action. 2.19 addresses environmental conditions that may interfere with service delivery. Dr. Sellers points out the importance of designing interventions for maintenance and generalization (2.14) and the proactive approach to addressing service delivery barriers (2.19).
The podcast concludes by summarizing Section 2 and encouraging listeners to familiarize themselves with the new Ethics Code.