Provide an example of an ethical dilemma in ABA practice and how to address it per the BACB Code.

Provide an example of an ethical dilemma in ABA practice and how to address it per the BACB Code.

• A. An ethical dilemma is failing to collect data.
• B. An ethical dilemma is using noninformed consent to terminate treatment sooner.
• C. An ethical dilemma is not consulting the ethics code.
• D. An ethical dilemma is using aversive procedures without consent; address by seeking informed consent, least-restrictive alternatives, documentation, and supervision; consult ethics code.

Answer: (D)

An ethical dilemma in ABA practice involves a situation where you must balance competing professional obligations to protect the client’s welfare, autonomy, and safety while also pursuing effective treatment. The BACB Code emphasizes obtaining informed consent for procedures that affect the client, trying the least restrictive alternatives first, keeping thorough documentation, seeking supervision, and consulting the ethics code when uncertain. Using aversive procedures without consent is a clear ethical dilemma because it pits the potential effectiveness of a strong intervention against the client’s right to consent and to be free from intrusive or potentially harmful treatment. The appropriate way to address this is to obtain informed consent, thoroughly explore and document less intrusive or alternative methods, maintain appropriate supervision, and consult the ethics code for guidance. This combination of seeking consent, prioritizing least restrictive options, and ensuring proper oversight reflects responsible practice under the BACB standards. Other options describe problematic practices, such as data collection gaps or terminating treatment without consent, or merely not consulting the ethics code. While these are issues in practice, they do not illustrate the direct ethical conflict and recommended resolution that revolve around consent, intrusiveness, and documented decision-making.

An ethical dilemma in ABA practice involves a situation where you must balance competing professional obligations to protect the client’s welfare, autonomy, and safety while also pursuing effective treatment. The BACB Code emphasizes obtaining informed consent for procedures that affect the client, trying the least restrictive alternatives first, keeping thorough documentation, seeking supervision, and consulting the ethics code when uncertain.

Using aversive procedures without consent is a clear ethical dilemma because it pits the potential effectiveness of a strong intervention against the client’s right to consent and to be free from intrusive or potentially harmful treatment. The appropriate way to address this is to obtain informed consent, thoroughly explore and document less intrusive or alternative methods, maintain appropriate supervision, and consult the ethics code for guidance. This combination of seeking consent, prioritizing least restrictive options, and ensuring proper oversight reflects responsible practice under the BACB standards.

Other options describe problematic practices, such as data collection gaps or terminating treatment without consent, or merely not consulting the ethics code. While these are issues in practice, they do not illustrate the direct ethical conflict and recommended resolution that revolve around consent, intrusiveness, and documented decision-making.