BCBA Ethics Glossary
Key terms and definitions for Ethics, Professional Conduct, Supervision.
BACB Ethics Code
The Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts published by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board, which sets standards for ethical conduct in professional practice.
Informed Consent
The process of providing clients, guardians, or stakeholders with sufficient information about proposed services, risks, benefits, and alternatives to make a voluntary and informed decision.
Assent
Agreement to participate in or undergo a procedure by an individual who is not legally able to provide formal consent, such as a minor or person with intellectual disability.
Confidentiality
The ethical obligation to protect client information from unauthorized disclosure, including records, assessment results, and identifying information.
Dual Relationship
A situation in which a behavior analyst has both a professional relationship and another type of relationship (personal, financial, or social) with a client or supervisee.
Scope of Competence
The boundaries of a behavior analyst's professional expertise as determined by education, training, supervised experience, and demonstrated skill.
Least Restrictive Effective Treatment
The ethical principle that behavior analysts should recommend interventions that are effective while being the least intrusive and restrictive to the client's freedom and dignity.
Right to Effective Treatment
The client's fundamental right to receive treatment based on the best available scientific evidence that is likely to produce meaningful behavior change.
Supervision
The ongoing process in which a qualified BCBA provides oversight, training, and feedback to individuals accumulating fieldwork hours or practicing under supervision.
Conflict of Interest
A situation in which a behavior analyst's personal, financial, or other interests may compromise their professional objectivity or the welfare of a client.
Mandatory Reporting
The legal obligation to report suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation of vulnerable populations to the appropriate authorities.
Professional Boundaries
The limits that protect the space between the professional's power and the client's vulnerability, ensuring the relationship remains focused on the client's welfare.
Evidence-Based Practice
The integration of the best available research evidence with clinical expertise and client values to guide treatment decisions.
Social Validity
The acceptability and significance of treatment goals, procedures, and outcomes as judged by the client, caregivers, and community.