APBA Ethics Chat

Abstract: Ethical challenges are rarely as simple as identifying the right code. What do you do when a supervisor offers to sign for supervision that never occurred? How should a trainee respond when asked to perform a skill they do not feel competent to perform? What happens when a clinical director instructs a behavior analyst to bill for services that were not provided, or when a promotion creates a supervisory relationship between close friends? Practitioners may also face situations where mandated reporting responsibilities are unclear or where they must navigate employment agreements while protecting their professional credentials. In this moderated panel, three experts in ethics, supervision, and training will work through these real-world scenarios. Beginning with the core principles of the BACB Ethics Code, panelists will identify relevant ethical standards and discuss how practitioners can navigate competing responsibilities, power dynamics, organizational pressures, and the boundaries between ethical, legal, and employment concerns. The session will emphasize a thoughtful, systematic approach to making difficult decisions while maintaining professional integrity.

1. Identify core principles and specific BACB Ethics Code standards relevant to complex ethical situations involving supervision, professional relationships, client protection, and organizational practices.
2. Analyze ethical scenarios by identifying relevant contextual variables, potential risks, and appropriate sources of guidance.
3. Describe a systematic approach to ethical decision-making.