BCBA Ethics Case Vignettes

BCBA Ethics Case Vignettes Marilyn is at a public event and Katie is not her client, a single mother of a child with autism. Katie saw Marilyn at a local event and had recently interviewed Marilyn as a potential service provider. Marilyn asked Katie at the event what happened with her decision and why she didn't choose her. Is this an ethics violation. - Yes. Even though it is not her clent Marilyn (the BCBA) is required to respect the privacy of others. Anthony (a BCBA) is using FC (facilitative communication) in his BA practice and a colleague has tried to talk to him about using evidence based interventions. The BACB discourages the use of FC & nearly a dozen scientific and professional organizations also discourage its use. Is Anthony choosing to use FC to guide his practice unethical? - Yes. Anthony could be reported to the board because he is not relying on scientific evidence based intervention and the school has already tried to dissuade him from using FC. A BCBA was asked by their supervisor to handle a case to which they did not feel comfortable handling. The client exhibit behaviors of pediophilia to which the BA did not have experience but is being pressured to do an assessment and provide treatment. What should they do? - A. Tell supervisor they are not comfortable handling the case. B. Ask to refer to someone who is qualified to take such dangerous & specialized clients. C. Mention the risk of the organization to litigation in the event treatment goes bad. D. All of the above. Answer is D Can training in mindfulness substitute for documented behavioral treatments? A BCBA is as encouraged to attend course but was not confident in its scientific based claims. They did not pay for the CEU course in mindfulness but want to include these hours for CEU for the year. Is this ethical? - While mindfulness could count for CEU hours you did not pay for the course and it would be better to not include these hours. If the course made negative claims about Behavior Analysis you should notify the board. A school agency has been billing under different client names for a child not receiving services because the other clients insurance provides unlimited hours. Is this ethical? - No. This is insurance fraud and the BCBA should report to insurance company in writing. Leaving employment with this agency would also be wise. You have an employee come to you about concerns of another co-worker having a drug problem. Should you report this to the board? - No, only those who have witnessed first hand the use of drugs can make the report. Encourage the person who did witness to approach the person directly. It may become appropriate for you to report to authorities or the board if through the process you do witness first hand or the person bringing the concern makes the call.