Consider Section 1 Of The Ethical Code For Behavior Analysts

Consider Section 1 Of The Ethical Code For Behavior Analysts Look At

Consider section 1 of the Ethical Code for Behavior Analysts. Look at the ethical code and individual elements being discussed for the week. Do a search for a current event or news story that highlights a violation of one of the specific elements addressed during the week. Because behaviorism addresses all human behavior across disciplines and environments, you may search broadly. Post the article as a link or a document for your classmates and briefly summarize the news story; give a behavioral interpretation of the occurrence or event.

What was the human behavior(s) occurring? Was this behavior ethical through the lens of the BACB ethical code? If our ethical code were applied to this story, what would the violation be?

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

The field of behavior analysis, governed by the BACB Ethical Code, emphasizes ethical practice in the observation, measurement, and influence of human behavior. Section 1 of this code specifically addresses the responsibilities of behavior analysts to the clients, the public, and the profession, ensuring that their actions promote beneficence, integrity, and professional competence. This paper examines a recent news story illustrating a violation of these principles, offering a behavioral interpretation of the event and evaluating its ethical implications.

Summary of the News Story

The news story selected for this analysis involves a behavioral health provider who implemented behavior interventions without proper assessment or obtaining informed consent. The provider administered restrictive procedures to a client with autism in a residential setting, aiming to modify self-injurious behavior. The intervention was carried out without adequate oversight from qualified professionals, nor were the legal or ethical standards for such procedures followed. The article details the subsequent complaints filed by family members and advocacy groups, describing neglect and potential harm inflicted upon the client.

Behavioral Interpretation of the Event

The core human behaviors in this case include the implementation of restrictive behavioral interventions and neglecting client autonomy and well-being. The behavior analyst applied interventions that might have temporarily reduced problematic behaviors but overlooked the importance of ethical considerations, including client rights and safety. From a behavioral perspective, the actions were driven by a goal to reduce self-injury but lacked the systematic assessment and consent essential for ethically sound behavior modification. The failure to involve the client or their guardians in decision-making represents a clear violation of respectful and ethically appropriate behavior.

Assessment of Ethical Compliance

According to the BACB Ethical Code, behavior analysts must act in the best interest of their clients, uphold integrity, and maintain professional competence. Key principles involved include obtaining informed consent, providing effective and humane interventions, and ensuring safety (BACB, 2024). In this case, the behavior was ethically questionable because the provider bypassed informed consent, failed to conduct appropriate assessments, and used restrictive practices that may cause harm—violating the code's core tenets.

Violations Under the Ethical Code

Applying the BACB Ethical Code explicitly reveals multiple violations. Notably, Principle 1.09, "Behavior Analysts must obtain informed consent for all interventions," was disregarded. Additionally, Principle 1.04, "Behavior analysts have an obligation to ensure their interventions do no harm," was breached through the use of restrictive procedures without adequate safeguards. The lack of oversight and failure to consider the client's dignity reflect violations of the standards that protect clients from harm and promote ethical treatment.

Conclusion

This news story exemplifies the critical importance of adhering to the BACB Ethical Code in all behavioral interventions. Ethical practice necessitates informed consent, systematic assessment, and humane treatment. Violations not only compromise the integrity of the profession but also endanger the well-being of clients. Behavior analysts must remain vigilant and committed to ethical standards to uphold trust and promote positive outcomes in behavior analysis.

References

  • Behavior Analyst Certification Board. (2024). Professional and Ethical Compliance Code for Behavior Analysts. BACB. https://www.bacb.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/2024-Professional-and-Ethical-Compliance-Code-for-Behavior-Analysts.pdf
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