Chapter 18: Avoiding the “Slippery Slope” of Ethical Problems by Using a Declaration of Professional Services

Overview Introduction Go over each section of the document Go over similar documents from the psychology and the medical field Questions References

Wouldn’t it be great if everyone followed the rules? To prevent ethics problems from occurring, the solution that the authors propose is the use of the “Declaration of Professional Practice and Procedures for Behavior Analyst? Behavior Analyst face ethical issues on a daily basis These issues are not huge ethical problems but as bailey puts it they are “tiny pings” These “tiny pings” can catch someone off guard. Can anyone give an example of a small ethical issue they have come across? Example: Parent asking about another child, parent giving you a small gift, Clients have the right to know that you are practicing within boundaries of your expertise The document has to be individualized based on your client : in home vs group home Clarify rules and boundaries with clients at the inititaion of services

Parts of the document: Area of Expertise Professional Relationship, Limitations and Risks Client Responsibilities Code of Conduct Confidentiality Appointments, Fees and Emergencies

Area of Expertise Clients should know basic academic information about you How long you have been in the field Specialty Where you got your degree, the training you received, the university you obtained your degree from, certifications and what did you get your degree in Why is it important for clients to know our specialty? Give example from bailey book: Mom consulted consultant about child’s suicide and this was not part of her specialty because she was from a developmental disability field and advised mom to call a counselor

Professional Relationship, Limitations and Risks What I do Explain basis for behavior analysis services Work with clients and rely on client’s input Treating client and others Why is this important: to make sure the client knows where you are coming from. It is critical It is important to let clients know you work with significant others so family members will play a key role in the therapy partners if this is part of treatment design

Professional Relationship, Limitations and Risks

Professional Relationship, Limitations and Risks How I Work Work to achieve important life goals for the client Important to state to parents that we do not make judgments about behavior We reach out to parents, teachers and other individuals who are significant in client’s life (with permission) We are not in the cure business and do not guarantee results Strong selling point : we are not interested in changing behavior per se but we work together to achieve important life goals for our client “ increasing personal effectiveness and happiness”

Professional Relationship, Limitations and Risks

Client Responsibilities Expect full co-operation, honesty and involvement in clients treatment Honesty and accuracy of data Drugs and Medication that the client might be on Include policy on keeping to appointments, tardiness, etc. Drugs and meds can effect childs behaviors Before treament begins good to know if client is on hollistic/strange treatments that the client is on

Client Responsibilities

Code of Conduct Make sure clients are aware of the strict Guidelines for Responsible Conduct Make a copy of the guidelines and highlight key sections Direct them to the BCBA website and make them aware of it Important to include a statement on gift and invitation to personal events/parties

Code of Conduct

Confidentiality Inform clients that any information they disclose to you will be kept confidential Inform clients of the limits to confidentiality Check local laws on abuse and neglect to be included in your declaration http://www.nj.gov/dcf/abuse/how/ Limit to confidentiality: if you feel the individual is danger to himself or herself or others you can share the information

Confidentiality

Appointments, Fees and Emergencies Spell out details on how appointments are made, how billing is handled and how what happens when emergencies occur Rule for phone calls-giving out cell phone numbers? What rules do you have in place for this? How is billing done? And state who should be contacted if there are implications.

Appointments, Fees and Emergencies

Discussion, Agreement, Signatures, Date, and Distribute The client and the behavior analyst should sign the declaration Witness should be present to ensure signatures are authentic Date document Provide a copy for the family and one to keep in your files

Discussion, Agreement, Signatures, Date, and Distribute

Universal Declaration Ethical Principles for Psychologist Respect for the dignity of persons and people Competent caring for the well-being of persons and people Integrity Professional and scientific responsibilities to society

Declaration of Professional Responsibility Medicine’s Social Contract with Humanity

Questions?

References American Medical Association, (2001). Declaration of Professional Responsibility http://www.ama-assn.org/ama/pub/physician-resources/medical-ethics/declaration-professional-responsibility.page American Psychological Association, (2008). Universal Declaration Ethical Principles for Psychologist http://www.apa.org/international/pi/2008/10/gauthier.aspx Bailey, J.S., & Burch, M. R. (2010). Twenty-five essential skills & strategies for the professional behavior analyst. New York: Routledge Publishing. Behavior Analyst Certification Board Guidelines for Responsible Conduct (new 4th edition) http://www.bacb.com/index.php?page=57