Behavior Analyst Code Of Ethics

Ethics are the values and principles one uses to guide their behaviors and decisions. In an organization, such as the field of applied behavior analysis, a code of ethics is a set of guidelines that help the practitioners within the field make uniform decisions, which protect the client, practitioner, and field’s reputation by answering such questions as: what’s the right thing to do, what’s worth doing, and what it means to be a good behavior analyst (Cooper, Heron, & Heward, 2007). It is important for behavior analysts to be familiar with the code of ethics as presented by the Behavior Analyst’s Certification Board, as well as the laws of their respective states, not only to ensure the welfare of their clients, and to avoid sanctions,

Specifically, they must conduct themselves in a professionally ethical manner which sheds a positive light on the field (Bailey & Burch, 2016). Further, subsection 1.06 explains how multiple relationships and conflicts of interest must be avoided as they can have potentially harmful effects, and if a behavior analyst finds themselves in a multiple relationship they take necessary steps to resolve it (Behavior Analyst Certification Board, Inc., 2016). Furthermore, it is the responsibility of the behavior analyst to inform clients, and those they are supervising, of the potential for harmful effects, such as impaired objectivity, and the development of negative perceptions toward the professional which could hinder their effectiveness with other clients, or coworkers. Additionally, as described by code 2.13, the behavior analyst is responsible for accurately reporting the nature of services provided, which may not be accurate if the therapist is engaging in a personal relationship during scheduled treatment time (Behavior Analyst Certification Board, Inc.,

In this case, the client could potentially suffer from the relationship between the parties as they may be engaging in activities other than client directed services during the scheduled visits; further, if there is a falling out between the clinician and parent, this could impede the objectivity of both parties and infringe upon treatment. There is potential for the company to be paying wages for unworked hours, as well as there to be an impact to the overall reputation of the company. The insurance company may be paying for services which are not being delivered. The parent may be paying for services that are not being delivered. The clinician may engage in compromising the welfare of her client due to the relationship with the parent and self-serving biases (Rogerson, Gottlieb, Handelsman, Knapp, & Younggren,