Maggie NeggersCaldwell College

Ethics for Behavior Analysts

Outline

Introduction

Standards & videos

Scenarios

BACB Guidelines

Ethic Guidelines from other fields

Early EvolutionExtensions of laboratory procedures

No written documentation

No approval process

New form of therapy – data based

Early Evolution ContinuedMid- 1980’s practitioners were fully in

compliance with standards

Approve program in writing before implemented

Use least restrictive environmentAvoid harmful consequencesInvolve client in any modifications to the

program

Field’s Position on Punishment

“the behavior analyst recommends reinforcement rather than punishment whenever possible.”

Videohttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aAj9W0nt

UMI

Scenario (4.05)Reinforcement and punishment“Juan a newly certified BCBA decides that

Carl, a child whose face slapping is maintained by self-reinforcement is serious enough to warrant a punishment procedure as an intervention. When Carl slaps his face, Juan wants Carl’s hands to be firmly pulled away from his face and for the therapist to say in a loud voice “no”

Least Restrictive Procedures (4.10)Procedures as opposed to environments

Always try to use the least restrictive method, which is at the same time, still likely to be effective

Guideline 4The behavior analysts (a)designs programs

that are based on behavior analytic principles, including assessments of effects of other intervention methods (b)involves the client or the client-surrogate in the planning of such programs, (c) obtains the consent of the client, and (d) respects the rights of the client to terminate services at any time.

ConditionsDescribing conditions for program success

(4.01)

Environmental conditions that preclude implementation (4.02)

Environmental conditions that hamper implementation (4.03)

Video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DTD5XaXny0U

Interventions

Approving interventions (4.04)

Avoiding harmful reinforcers (4.06)

Ongoing data collection (4.07)

Scenario“Eddie was an extremely active client who was

constantly leaving whichever activity in which he was supposed to be involved. If he was scheduled to be in the house, he would leave and wonder around the grounds. If Eddie was scheduled to be in the education building, he would often leave and go to his bedroom. Mark ,the BCaBA, decided that because Eddie liked sweets a good intervention would be to start reinforcing Eddie with candy or a small glass of coke every 10 minutes throughout the day if Eddie was where he was suppose to be?”

ProgramsProgram modification (4.08)

Program modifications consent (4.09)

TerminationTermination Criteria (4.11)

Terminating Clients (4.12)

Question

“when a client is doing very well is it a good idea to extend programming?”

Ethics GuidelinesEthical Principles for Art Therapists Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code

of Conduct Occupational Therapy Code of Ethics and

Ethics Standards Code of Ethics for the Physical TherapistNEA Code of Ethics

Ethical Principles for Art Therapists1.9. Termination may be initiated by either therapist or

client. Whenever possible, and regardless of who initiates termination, art therapists discuss with clients the decision to terminate therapy. Art therapists terminate therapy when it becomes reasonably clear that the client no longer needs the service, is not likely to benefit, or is being harmed by continuing the service.

1.11 Art therapists, prior to termination, provide pre-termination counseling and suggest alternate service providers as appropriate, except where precluded by the actions of clients or third-party payers.

Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct

3.04 Psychologists take reasonable steps to avoid harming their clients/patients, students, supervisees, research participants, organizational clients and others with whom they work, and to minimize harm where it is foreseeable and unavoidable.

Occupational Therapy Code of Ethics and Ethics Standards

Principle 2. Occupational therapy personnel shall intentionally refrain from actions that cause harm.

Code of Ethics for the Physical Therapist

7A. Physical therapists shall promote practice environments that support autonomous and accountable professional judgments.

NEA Code of Ethics

Shall not deliberately suppress or distort subject matter relevant to the student's progress.

References

Bailey, J.S., &Burch, M.R. (2001). Ethics for behavior analysts (2nd Expanded Edition). Routledge.