Core Principles
The Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts is organized around core principles: benefit others, do no harm, practice with integrity, treat others with compassion, dignity, and respect, and be responsible. These principles guide all ethical decision-making.
Responsibility as a Professional
Behavior analysts practice within their scope of competence, maintain competence through continuing education, take responsibility for their professional actions, and are accountable for the work of their supervisees. They do not make false or misleading public statements.
Responsibility to Clients
Behavior analysts prioritize client welfare, obtain informed consent before services begin, maintain confidentiality of client records and information, recommend the least restrictive effective treatment, and involve clients in treatment planning to the extent possible.
Responsibility to Supervisees and Trainees
Behavior analysts provide effective supervision, ensure supervisees practice within their competence, provide regular and constructive feedback, maintain appropriate professional boundaries with supervisees, and take responsibility for supervisee conduct during supervised activities.
Responsibility in Research
Behavior analysts conduct research ethically, obtain informed consent from participants, protect participant welfare, report results honestly, and give proper credit for contributions. They follow institutional review board (IRB) requirements where applicable.
Ethical Decision-Making Framework
When facing an ethical dilemma: (1) Identify the ethical issue, (2) Consult the Ethics Code, (3) Consider the impact on all stakeholders, (4) Identify possible courses of action, (5) Evaluate each option against ethical principles, (6) Select and implement the most ethical response, (7) Document the decision-making process.