E9 Engage in cultural humility in service delivery and professional relationships.

E.9 Engage in cultural humility in service delivery and professional relationships.

Engaging in cultural humility means recognizing and respecting the cultural backgrounds, values, and experiences of clients, families, and colleagues. It involves an ongoing process of self-reflection, being open to learning from others, and adapting services to meet individuals’ unique cultural needs. Cultural humility emphasizes the importance of working collaboratively without assuming superiority over another’s cultural perspective.

Example: A BCBA is working with a family from a different cultural background and notices that their typical behavior interventions must be fully aligned with the family’s cultural practices. Rather than assuming their usual approach is universally effective, the BCBA takes the time to ask the family about their cultural values and parenting practices. The BCBA listens actively and adjusts the intervention plan to better respect the family’s traditions while addressing the child’s behavior goals. This openness and adaptability help build trust and provide culturally responsive services.

E. Ethical and Professional Issues

E.1. Identify and apply core principles underlying the ethics codes for BACB certificants (e.g., benefit others; treat others with compassion, dignity, and respect; behave with integrity).

E.2. Identify the risks to oneself, others, and the profession as a result of engaging in unethical behavior.

E.3. Develop and maintain competence by engaging in professional development activities (e.g., read literature, seek consultation, establish mentors).

E.4. Identify and comply with requirements for collecting, using, protecting, and disclosing confidential information.

E.5. Identify and comply with requirements for making public statements about professional activities (e.g., social media activity; misrepresentation of professional credentials, behavior analysis, and service outcomes).

E.6. Identify the conditions under which services or supervision should be discontinued and apply steps that should
be taken when transitioning clients and supervisees to another professional.

E.7. Identify types of and risks associated with multiple relationships, and how to mitigate those risks when they are unavoidable.

E.8. Identify and apply interpersonal and other skills (e.g., accepting feedback, listening actively, seeking input, collaborating) to establish and maintain professional relationships.

E.9. Engage in cultural humility in service delivery and professional relationships.

E.10. Apply culturally responsive and inclusive service and supervision activities.

E.11. Identify personal biases and how they might interfere with professional activity.

E.12. Identify and apply the legal, regulatory, and practice requirements (e.g., licensure, jurisprudence, funding, certification) relevant to the delivery of behavior analytic services.