E2 Identify the risks to oneself, others, and the profession as a result of engaging in unethical behavior.

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

Identifying the risks of unethical behavior means recognizing the potential harm that unethical actions can cause to the individual engaging in the behavior (oneself), the clients or others affected by the behavior, and the profession of behavior analysis. Engaging in unethical practices can lead to negative outcomes such as harm to clients, loss of professional credibility, and legal or disciplinary action.

Risks to Oneself

Example: A BCBA shares confidential client information on social media without permission. This breach of confidentiality could lead to disciplinary action from the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB), legal consequences, and loss of professional certification, damaging their career.

Risks to Others

Example: A BCBA provides an intervention without proper consent or training, leading to harm to the client. This could cause emotional or physical distress to the client and erode trust between the client’s family and the ABA provider.

Risks to the Profession

Example: If several behavior analysts in a community engage in unethical billing practices (e.g., overcharging insurance for services not provided), it can lead to increased scrutiny and negative perceptions of ABA as a profession. This can reduce clients’ access to services and lower trust in behavior analysis as an effective therapy.

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.