*e-2 Responsibility of behavior analysts towards clients

The BACB code of ethics states that behavior analysts have a responsibility to act in the best interests of their clients. This includes only accepting clients with behavioral problems or services within their level of education, training and experience; be aware of everyone involved in the customer relationship; work as a team with other professionals when appropriate; be clear with clients about the nature of the relationship and the limits of confidentiality; respect customers' rights, including their privacy; offer effective, research-based treatments; adequately document your work; establish clear financial agreements with clients; be accurate in your reports to those paying for services; disclose any financial relationships with other professionals; plan and facilitate care in the event of interruption or termination of services; and not abandon customers.

This code covers a wide range of topics related to the professional ethics of behavior analysts. It is important for behavior analysts to be familiar with this code and follow it in their work with clients.

Synopsis of each point

2.01 Definition of Client

A client is anyone with whom the behavior analyst interacts, whether an individual person, a child's parent or guardian, an agency or organization, or a research participant.

2.02 Customer Acceptance

Behavior analysts should only accept clients with behavioral problems or services that are within their level of education, training, and experience.

2.03 Responsibility

Behavior analysts have responsibility for all parties involved in the client relationship, not just the client receiving treatment.

2.04 Query

Behavior analysts should consult with other professionals when appropriate to ensure that clients receive the best possible services.

2.05 Requests for Third Party Services

Behavior analysts should be clear with clients about the nature of the relationship with a third party requesting the behavior analyst's services.

2.06 Rights and Privileges of Clients

Behavior analysts must respect clients' rights, including their privacy.

2.07 Maintenance of confidentiality

Behavior analysts must maintain the confidentiality of information provided by clients unless disclosure is required by law or to protect clients or others from harm.

2.08 Record keeping

Behavior analysts must maintain adequate records of their work with clients, to ensure the quality of services provided and to comply with legal requirements.

2.09 Disclosures

Behavior analysts should only disclose confidential client information when required by law or to protect clients or others from harm.

2.10 Treatment effectiveness

Behavior analysts must recommend treatments that are supported by scientific research.

2.11 Documentation of Professional and Scientific Work

Behavior analysts must adequately document their work to ensure the quality of the services provided and to comply with legal requirements.

2.12 Records and Data

Behavior analysts must manage their work records and data responsibly to protect client privacy and comply with legal requirements.

2.13 Fees, Financial Arrangements and Terms of Consultation

Behavior analysts must establish clear financial agreements with clients to avoid confusion or misunderstandings.

2.14 Accuracy in Reporting to Those Paying for Services

Behavior analysts must be accurate in their reports to those who pay for services, to ensure transparency and accountability.

2.15 References and rates

Behavior analysts must disclose any financial relationships with other professionals to avoid conflicts of interest.

2.16 Interruption or Termination Services

Behavior analysts must plan and facilitate care in the event of interruption or termination of services, to ensure that clients continue to receive necessary services.

2.17 Termination of the relationship

Behavior analysts should only terminate relationships with clients when necessary to protect clients or others from harm.

Conclusion

Behavior analysts have a responsibility to act ethically and responsibly in their work with clients. By following this code, behavior analysts help ensure that clients receive the best possible services.