These Code sections are emphasized in our first ethics course because BC ABA are more involved in direct client services.
This does not suggest that BC ABA’s are only responsible for these really sections
Level of responsibility for these code sections may fall more heavily on BCBAs as they are more heavily involved in these types of activities such as research, public speaking etc.
Exception is area 10.0 to which BC ABA is should really master.
Behavior analysts are responsible for all aspects of the behavior change program from conceptualization to implementation and ultimately to discontinuation
4.0 Behavior analysts and the BEHAVIOR CHANGE PROGRAM
Behavior analysts DESIGN behavior change programs that are CONCEPTUALLY consistent with behavior analytic principles.
Includes the seven dimensions of applied behavior analysis
4.01 conceptual consistency
AppliedBehavioralAnalyticTechnologicalConceptually systematicEffective
Has generality
The seven dimensions of applied behavior analysis
Could element 4.01: conceptual consistency
Involve the client in the planning of and CONSENT for behavior change programs.
4.02 involving clients in planning and consent
Clients should be involved in deciding:What outcomes does the client want?What improvements in quality of life?What behavior to target for a change?How much change is significant?What procedures are acceptable?Social validity should be considered
When a behavior change plan includes interventions based on the principle of negative reinforcement and punishment we need to be even more careful to discuss risks versus benefits when obtaining informed consent. Remember the clients right to withdraw consent.
4.02 involving clients in planning and consent
a) tailor CHANGE programs to the: UNIQUE behaviors, environmental variables assessment results Goals Of each client
4.03 INDIVIDUALIZE behavior CHANGE programs
Must obtain the clients WRITTEN APPROVAL of the behavior change program before implementation or making significant MODIFICATIOS (e.g. • CHANGE in GOALS
•use of NEW procedures
4.04 Approving Behavior-CHANGE Programs
And designing behavior programs, the Haviar analyst should do all of the following excepta. Design programs based on behavior analytic principals b. Potentially assess the effects of other intervention methodsc. Involve the clientd. All of these should be done
Susie, a BC BA insurance that her interventions are tied back to conceptual elements of behavior analysis and she can explain them and behavior analytic terms. Which code element does this relate to:
4.01 conceptual consistency
The mother of one of Susie’s clients, a five-year-old girl with autism, request that no sweetie into snacks be used as reinforcers with her child. In response to this Susie conduct a preference assessment with her client using snacks recommended by the mother. Susie is it hearing to which code element.
4.02 involving clients in planning and consent
One of Sydney’s clients, Leah a six-year-old girl with autism, has recently begun displaying problem behavior during instructional activities. Susie as an extinction component to the program and decides to change up the reinforcement schedule. She considers the small changes and thinks they will be covered by previously signed consent documents. Which code element does this relate to4.01 conceptual consistency4.02 involving clients in planning and consent4.03 individual behavior change programs4.04. approving behavior change programs
4.04. Approving behavior change programs
Behavior analyst DESCRIBES in writing, the OBJECTIVES of the behavior change program to the client before attempting to implement the program. To the extent possible, a RISK benefit analysis should be conducted on the PROCEDURES to be implemented to reach the OBJECTIVES ONGOING PROCESS
(The description of program objectives and the means by which they will be accomplished is an ongoing process throughout the duration of the client practitioner relationship.)
4.05 DESCRIBING behavior change Program OBJECTIVES
Focus on OUTCOMES (OBJECTIVES) and NOT simply behavior changeImportant to STATE objective PRIOR to assessment, though this may be modified after the assessmentRead chapter 16 of Bailey and Birch 2011 for details and risk benefit analysis
Recommendations
4.05 Describing Behavior-Change Program Objectives
DESCRIBE environmental CONDITIONS necessary for the BEHAVIOR CHANGE program to be Effective (SUCCESS) Explain in EVERYDAY language the minimum CONDITIONS required Ex; Control over the environment and behavior plan components (eg, Control over reinforcers) •Cooperation of all involved parties • consistency
•Time And staff availability
4.06 DESCRIBING CONDITIONS for behavior CHANGE program SUCCESS
If ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS Prevent, Hinder INTERFERE with IMPLEMENTATION of a behavior change program: a) Recommend other professional assistance such as assessment, consultation or therapeutic intervention by professionals, be sought.
b) Seek to ELIMINATE the ENVIRONMENTAL constraints or identify in WRITING the obstacles to doing so.
4.07 ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS that INTERFERE with implementation
There isn’t a BC BA or a BC ABA with experience available to implementIf no RESOURCES are available to pay for treatmentIf COOPERATION is NOT obtained from those involved in a caseNote: above list is not exhaustive; these are simply examples The case of the many clients, poop, vomit, and the behavior plan
Billy and his shoes and socks
4.07 environmental conditions that interfere with implementation
In accordance with coat element 4.05 describing behavior change program objectives, which of the following should be described and writing:a. Program objectivesb. Procedures to be used
C. Both of these
The behavior analyst should provide information about the objectives of the behavior change program:a. in writingB. VocallyC. Both of theseD. Either of these
Thomas, a BC BA, has a client who is exhibiting problem behavior. He has included an extinction component in the plan he is writing. When explaining the plant to the parents he describes the conditions needed to ensure that extinction works and addresses possible issues that may arise such as extinction burst.Which code element does this pertain to most:4.05 describing behavior change program objectives4.06 describing conditions for behavior change program success4.07 environmental conditions that interfere with implementation
a) Recommend reinforcement rather than PUNISHMENT whenever possibleb) If punishment procedures are necessary, include reinforcement PROCEDURES for alternative behavior and the behavior change programc) BEFORE implementing punishment based procedures, behavior analyst ensure that appropriate steps have been taken to implement reinforcement based procedures unless the severity or dangerousness of the behavior necessitates immediate use of aversive procedures.d) Ensure that aversive procedures are accompanied by an Increased level of training, supervision, and oversight. • Evaluate the effectiveness of aversive procedures in a timely manner and modify the behavior change program if it is ineffective
•Include a plan to discontinue the use of aversives when no longer needed
4.08 Considerations Regarding Punishment Procedures
Review and appraise the Restrictiveness of Procedures and always recommend the LEAST RESTRICTIVE PROCEDURES likely to be effective
4.09 least restrictive procedures
RESTRICTIVE, intrusive and Aversive are often SUBJECTIVE term...What is restricted or aversive for one person may differ for another. Also there are changes over time.
“RESTRICTED” is an OBJECTIVE term
4.09 least restrictive procedures
Effectiveness/relative effectivenessEfficiency- how LONG does it take?If a LESS RESTRICTIVE intervention takes several months to work and a more restrictive one take a week or two, what should be consider? Sometimes the question is NOT Aversive versus non-aversive, the question is FUNCTIONAL versus non-functional.
4.09 Least Restrictive Procedures
Variables to consider
Minimize (AVOID), the use of items as potential REINFORCERS that maybe HARMFUL to the health and development of the client, or that may require excessive motivating operations to be effective
4.10 Avoiding Harmful Reinforcers
CigarettesNo candy, no sweetsThis guideline doesn’t prevent the use of sweets or other and healthy items as reinforcers, but they should be used judiciously. If either reinforcers are available it is prudent to use alternative reinforcersWell deprivation is a powerful establishing operation, excess of deprivation ,(causing discomfort) is not appropriate
Consider mini-meals. Delivering food for nutrition non- contingently versus preferred foods contingent on behavior
Four.10: avoiding harmful reinforcers
Possible harmful reinforcers
a) Establish understandable and objective I E, measurable, criteria for the DISCONTINUATION of the BEHAVIOR CHANGE PROGRAM and describe them to the client(See also 2.1 5D interrupting or discontinuing servicesb) Discontinue services with a client when established criteria for discontinuation are attained , as in when a series of agreed-upon goals have been met.
See also 2.1 5D interrupting or discontinuing services
4.11 Discontinuing Behavior Change programs and behavior analytic services
Achievement of outcomeSpecified changes in behaviorMaintenance in generalization
Gradual fading of services while continuing to make progress
Termination Criteria: 4.11 Discontinuing Behavior Change Programs and Behavior Analytic Services
Gradual fading of procedures and services
Gradual transition to other services
John is a 42-year-old man with developmental disabilities. He is receiving be a services because he is often late to work and is in danger of losing his job at the local grocery store. John loves his job so it is a priority to him to keep it. The BC BA, Warren write a behavior plan in with John is required to surrender his cigarettes – they are bought for him in court and every month by his sister – and may earn them back a pack at a time for arriving on time to work
Warren present this plant to John and his sister and they both agreed to the plan. Have any code elements been violated? Yes or no
YesWhat could warren have done differently to avoid ethical issues?Explore a punishment base with seizureExplore the use of other reinforcer is and that provides cigarettes contingentlyfind Jon a different jobNone of these**Explore the use of other reinforcers and not provide cigarettes contingently.
After the first day of the plan, John tells warren he doesn’t want to continue the behavior plan anymore. Despite this, Warren the size that it is in John’s best interest to continue with the plan. Have any code elements been violated? Yes or no
YesWhat should warrant have done when John express that he didn’t want to continue with the plan?Contacted John sisterContacted John’s work supervisorStop the plant immediatelyTry to persuade John that the plan was in his best interest
Answer *Stop the plan immediately
For the past few weeks Rita has been scratching her forearm. It is now bloody raw and her doctor is worried about her developing a blood infection. Multiple reinforcement base with seizures have been attempted. The BC BA role a new behavior plan and recommended the use of an arm shield to prevent beautiful scratching her or him. Have a coat element been violated? Yes or no
Willy is a seven-year-old with autism. His mother complains that at dinner he takes handfuls of food and tosses them on the floor. The behavior analyst recommend that each time will he engages into tossing his mom grab his hands of the rest and hold them to the table for 10 seconds. Does this recommendation Violate any code elements? Yes or no
In the case of Willie and his two tossing with the wrist holding procedure, what kind of behavior analyst had done differently?Suggest a less intense punishment techniqueSuggest a more intense punishment technicSuggest a less restrictive intervention firstNone of these
Suggested a less restrictive intervention
Termination criteria should be established:At the onset of behavior programmingIt depends on the case and how quickly the client is making progressThroughout the case
Toward the end of the case with significant progress has been made
At the onset of behavior programming
And the story of Freddie the shredder, Jose requested that the teacher be replaced. Which could element does this request relate to?4.04 approving behavior change programs4.05 describing behavior change program objectives4.06 describing conditions for behavior change programs success4.07 environmental conditions that interfere with implementation
4.07 environmental conditions that interfere with implementation
What justified restricting access to Lynn’s three wheeler for violating the terms of the contingency contract?The behavior that resulted in the consequence would have the same consequences in real lifeThe behavior that resulted in that consequence with extremely dangerousBoth A and B
None of the above
Employer-employeeContracted-SUPERVISOR
Combination, supervisor at work and supervisor for Certification purposes
Some types of supervisory relationships:
BC BA a supervisor… What BC BAs need to know
Having a SUPERVISOR that: •is not experienced •does not have the time to supervise,
•or if a supervisor asked you to do something that is in conflict with your ethical responsibilities.
Issues that may arise in Supervisor – supervise the relationships
SUPERVISOR has very limited involvement with casesTime limitations
Distance.
Issues that might arise in a contracted supervisor relationship. BC ABA
SUPERVISOR at work may be telling BCABA or applicant to do things differently then contracted supervisor
Combination supervisory relationship – issues that might arise
There are different types of goals for supervision: •specific goals in place for those seeking certification, • For certified individuals that are maintaining certification – BC ABA, RBT,
• certified individuals Expanding their repertoire
BCBA as supervisor… What BC BAs need to know
Responsible for all facets of supervisionMust meet supervision requirements as defined by the BACBMay not be related to the supervisoryMay not be an intimate or other relationship with the SUPERVISOR that may compromise your ability to provide unbiased quality supervision
5.0 Behavior Analysts as Supervisors
SUPERVISOR should have experience in the area in which you are providing servicesEx., if you are providing early intervention services your BCBA supervisor should have experience in this area.
Should be able to mentor, provide guidance, teach, act as the expert
5.01 supervisory competence
SUPERVISOR should have time for you
Your BCBA SUPERVISOR should Only assign ( DELEGATE) you activities/duties that you are trained to complete.
If you have not been trained and you are expected to complete the activities, the supervisor should provide training. Your supervisor is your mentor
5.03 supervisory delegation
TRAINING should be behavior analytic, EFFECTIVE and ethical.
A supervisor should not give you a protocol and expect you to figure it out. This would be a non-example
5.4 Designing Effective Supervision and Training
Regarding SUPERVISION, you should know/be made aware of, the :• Purpose • Requirements• Evaluation criteria•. Conditions• Terms
Supervisor is responsible for outlining these things prior to the start of the supervisory relationship.
5.05 Communication of Supervision Conditions
Your supervisor should be PROVIDING FEEDBACK that is: documented, timely
frequent – On-going
5.06 Providing feedback to supervisees
Relates directly to the SUPERVISORS EVALUATION of their own performance
5.07 Evaluating the Effects of Supervision
Supervisory relationship should be well DEFINED Expectation should be clearA supervisor should NOT be a consultantIt is your supervisor‘s responsibility to mentor, training, provide feedback, and SUPERVISE
Take-home points: BCBA supervisor…
What BCABA just need to know
All BCBA applicants must be familiar with the full ethical code While BC ABA applicants are only responsible for familiarizing themselves with the first four sections of the code. True or false
Do not plagiarize other professionals BEHAVIOR CHANGE PROGRAMS
4.3. Individualize Behavior Change Program
Only count ACTIVITIES that the BACB considers to be behavior analytic (those that count toward supervised experience ours) • NOT everything you do will count as experienceTRACKING Supervisee activities should be timely and accurate.
SIGNING forms should be timely.
BACB: Documenting Activities
Disclosing/reporting.... On ALL cases ALL information Prior approval up for program changes
Supervisor and supervisee are both RESPONSIBLE
Keeping appointmentsGive notice for cancellationsMaintain united front in front of consumersBring up issues with supervisor: Ex; • if assigned a task for what you feel unprepared; •if your caseload is too large •; if your supervisor isn’t meeting their responsibilities as a supervisor
•; if what is being done is in conflict with the ethics code
Professional/ethical behavior