Ethics Scenario Archive – Arizona Association for Behavior Analysis

Client Assessment & Discontinuation

Scenario "BCBA recently had clinic administration call parents of early learner to pick up during a tantrum and discharged child with a referral to get a "mental health evaluation". No behavior data was taken and no assessment of the tantrum behaviors. Behaviors were typical of an early learner starting ABA services." Committee Input (e.g., considerations for pathways forward, potential barriers, potential solutions): In accordance with Ethics Code 7.02, we would encourage the submitter to foremost review if addressing the concern/individual…

Do we have any ethical guidelines regarding shared work spaces among two companies that provide similar ABA services in a private property?

Scenario Work space sharing is becoming an efficient way to share resources among hospitals and other business models. Do we have any ethical guidelines regarding shared work spaces among two companies that provide similar ABA services in a private property? We can address the confidentiality issues but we wanted to make sure we did our due diligence in preparation for a possible space sharing situation. Response Committee Input (e.g., considerations for pathways forward, potential barriers, potential solutions): The committee input…

Employer Requiring Same Number of ABA Hours for All New Clients from New BCaBA

Scenario You obtained your Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA) certification 3-months ago. You went from working as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT), as you accumulated your required supervised fieldwork hours, to a position as a BCaBA with the same company. Suddenly, you had more authority to make decisions regarding your clients’ treatment programs, as well as an increased case load. Shortly after you took on your new role as a BCaBA, you met with the Board Certified Behavior Analyst…

Connecting Families That Are Clients

Scenario I work for an ABA company that offers in home ABA services. I have three plus families that live within a couple mile radius of each other. Multiple parents have asked me if I know of any other children or families around that are similar age skill set etc. The parents are wanting to have a play date / create a friendship with another child with autism. I have not disclosed any information about other families due to HIPPA…

College Recommendation Letter for Client

Scenario Client that is being billed through insurance by the Agency that I work for is being accepted into college courses. He would like a letter of recommendation from his supervisor for some scholarship opportunities. Is it ethically appropriate to provide a letter for his college? What would be precautious steps to take in the event that we can provide a letter? Would this be better to provide during billable or non-billable therapy/supervision? What are some possible HIPPA considerations? Ethical…

Hiring Behavior Analyst Trainees at a School District

Scenario A school district posted a job opening for a BCBA, and said they would take someone non-certified, as long as the person pays for their own supervision. Would another district BCBA still be responsible for providing supervision, especially during the time between supervision ending (1500 hours completed) and time of certification? Response Committee Input: What would the BCBA doing within their job? What is the job description? If candidate is a supervisee, supervision is required Exploration: Ensure that you…

Student Using Social Media Inappropriately

Scenario I am a founder and executive director for a school for children with ASD. We have a female HS student who has an iPhone with access to her own social media accounts. She is very socially motivated. She comes from a single parent, low SES home. Her mother can be challenging to work with. We have found recently on her phone inappropriate content. Solicitations for attention from men that we don't think she knows...your basic nightmare. Obviously the first…

Website Testimonials

Scenario Using testimonials on website, no disclaimers Response Committee Input: Reach out to organization’s leaders (BCBAs) as soon as possible to resolve (lead with education). Provide guidance on code and potential action items. Follow up on website/with BCBA after initial conversation. Document actions taken (include dates) Exploration: If parents wrote the testimonial, consent is implied to use names; Are owners BCBAs (yes). Who is managing the solicitation/posting of testimonials (owners should provide education regarding the PECC)? Codes: 8.05; 2.06;

Parent as Witness to Accident

Scenario I got in a car accident today in front of a client’s house. The client’s mom came outside after she heard the accident and saw the position of the cars. I had to move my car because I was blocking the street. Would it be appropriate if I ask her if she could be a witness? Or would that be an ethical violation? I have to go to court in February. When the police officer asked if I knew…

Rapid Prompting Method (RPM)

Scenario Our school has been bit by RPM...HELP. One parent went to a conference on RPM and has come back convinced that she has been undervaluing her son's intelligence. She's making somewhat extraordinary claims about what he is communicating with his RPM instructor, and sort of implying that we should be instructing him differently at school. We've been clear that we cannot change his goals unless we see him displaying those skills at school. In one week, we now have…

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