Ethical and Professional IssuesDifficulty 2/5
A BCBA whose caseload is exclusively early-intervention autism services is asked to treat severe self-injury in an adult with a dual diagnosis. Under the Ethics Code, what is the appropriate response?
- AAccept, because board certification covers any behavior in any population
- BAccept only after obtaining training, supervision or consultation in that area, or refer to a qualified provider
- CAccept and learn from published articles and manuals while treatment is under way
- DDecline the case and report the referral source to the certification board
Show answer and rationale
Correct: B. Behavior analysts practise within their scope of competence. Expanding scope requires appropriate study, training, supervision or consultation; otherwise the case should be referred.
- A — Certification is not a blanket competence claim.
- C — Self-directed reading during active treatment does not establish competence for a high-risk case.
- D — Declining may be right, but there is nothing to report and referral is the professional step.