BCBA® Ethical Code 6th Edition Task List

E-1: Identify and Apply Core Principles Underlying the Ethics Codes for BACB Certificants

We have an obligation to act in a way that reflects positively on the field of behavior analysis

• We must continue to educate ourselves
• We must carry ourselves in a professional manner
• We have an obligation to do what is right, and do no harm

Core principles:

1. Benefit others
2. Behave with integrity
3. Treat others with compassion, dignity, and respect
4. Ensure competence

E-2: Identify the Risks to Oneself, Others, and the Profession as a Result of Engaging in Unethical Behavior

Unethical actions, such as misrepresentation of credentials or dual relationships, can negatively impact clients, lead to loss of certification, and damage the field’s reputation. It is our obligation to uphold and promote the credibility of applied behavior analysis.

Examples:

• Misreporting data to show false progress
• Unethical supervision practices
• Unethical behavior analytic services

E-3: Develop and Maintain Competence by Engaging in Professional Development Activities

Professionals must stay current with research, update skills, and engage in lifelong learning. This includes attending workshops, reading scientific literature, and seeking mentorship to address new areas of practice.

• Remain aware of current issues, trends, and developments in the field
• Continuing education through conferences, journals, research
• Engage in philosophical doubt
• Maintain your certification   

E-4: Identify and Comply with Requirements for Collecting, Using, Protecting, and Disclosing Confidential Information

Confidentiality requirements protect client privacy and ensure that information is only shared when necessary and appropriate. Professionals must understand and follow all relevant laws (e.g., HIPAA, FERPA) and ethical standards regarding data collection, storage, and disclosure. The client includes the individual receiving services, and those with a stake in the outcome

• Act in the best interests of clients. Identify stakeholders from the onset.
• Share information only when consent is obtained, to protect the client, to resolve a contract, or when compelled by law or court order

E-5: Identify and Comply with Requirements for Making Public Statements About Professional Activities

Public statements must be accurate, transparent, and align with BACB guidelines. This includes content on websites, social media, and public presentations. Misrepresentation can lead to ethical violations and public mistrust.

• Promote truthful behavior and avoid creating fraudulent or illegal situations
• We should not misrepresent efficacy of treatment of make false claims or promises about progress timelines
• You should not post anything on your personal social media accounts
• Do not advertise nonbehavioral services as behavioral services. A disclaimer must be used when providing non-behavioral services
• Do not solicit testimonials from current clients or stakeholders
  (unsolicited reviews where analysts cannot control content are allowed,
  but content should not be used or shared by the analyst)

E-6: Identify the Conditions Under Which Services or Supervision Should Be Discontinued and Apply Steps for Transitioning

Services should be discontinued when treatment goals are met, progress is not being made, or when ethical concerns arise. Transition planning involves ensuring continuity of care through proper referrals and communication.

• The client has met all goals
• The client is not benefiting from the services
• The team is exposed to harmful conditions
• The client/stakeholder requests discontinuation
• Stakeholders are not complying with interventions
• Services are no longer funded

E-7: Identify Types of and Risks Associated with Multiple Relationships and Mitigate Those Risks When Unavoidable

Multiple relationships (e.g., serving as a client’s therapist and family friend) can create conflicts of interest, compromise objectivity, and potentially harm the client or supervisee. When such relationships cannot be avoided, set boundaries and document strategies to minimize risks.

• Avoid multiple relationships, exploitative relationships, and discrimination
• Gifts to clients, stakeholders, supervisees, or trainees must be less than $10 in value

E-8: Identify and Apply Interpersonal and Other Skills to Establish and Maintain Professional Relationships

• Comply with supervision requirements including competence, volume, documentation, and accountability
• Supervision and training should be behavior-analytic in nature including the use of reinforcement and feedback
• Address diversity (age, disability, ethnicity, gender, etc.)
• Evaluate effectiveness of supervision
• Monitor performance using data collection. Communicate and evaluate and problems that arise during training or supervision
• Facilitate continuity of supervision and appropriately terminate supervision

E-9: Engage in Cultural Humility in Service Delivery and Professional Relationships

Culturally responsive practice involves designing interventions and supervision activities that respect and align with the cultural values and needs of clients and supervisees. This includes using culturally relevant examples, language, and reinforcers.
Ex. When creating a behavior plan for a bilingual

E-11: Identify Personal Biases and How They Might Interfere with Professional Activity

E-12: Identify and Apply the Legal, Regulatory, and Practice Requirements Relevant to Behavior-Analytic Services