Chapter 18:Avoiding the

“Slippery Slope” of Ethical Problems by Using a Declaration

of Professional Services

Overview

Introduction

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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?

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

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

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

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.

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/

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 Responsibilityhttp://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