Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts

Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts Student’s Name Institutional Affiliation Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts Introduction Maintaining client confidentiality and privacy throughout applied behavior analysis (ABA) intervention is a legal and ethical responsibility as a behaviour analyst. Public statements made through social media, websites or things of that nature and marketing materials should be approached carefully so as not to destroy the rights and dignity of clients, stakeholders, supervisees, and trainees. This document is designed to offer guidance for soliciting testimonials and social media activity and obtaining informed consent, per the Behavior Analyst Certification Board’s (BACB) Ethics Code. Solicitation of Client Testimonials Behavior analysts cannot ask current clients to provide testimonials for advertising purposes according to BACB Ethics Code (5.07). This restriction is put in place in order to limit undue influence and implicit coercion, so that something positive is not forced. Unsolicited reviews may appear on public websites such as Google or Yelp. However, behavior analysts are obligated not to use or share those reviews. Contravening the obligation could compromise the integrity of the working relationship and may breach ethical standards (Sush & Najdowski, 2019). In addition, behavior analysts must follow the provisions of Ethics Code 5.08 when seeking testimonials. To do that, you need to give clear information about where and how the testimonial will be used and inform the client that they have the right to rescind whenever they like. Testimonials must be marked as either "solicited" or "unsolicited" with statements referencing whether the behavior analyst has a relationship with the client. When not used in an advertising capacity, such as fundraising and grant applications, testimonials can be used with informed consent and proper use (5.09). Social Media Do’s and Don’ts The popularity of social media is a powerful tool for communicating and reaching people. But this also creates a high risk which has to do with the privacy of the clients involved in treatment or therapy. In section 5.10 of the BACB Ethics Code (2022), it states that behavior analysts must ensure they are prote...