You have spent the last nine weeks doing a deep dive into the Behavior Analyst Certification Board’s (BACB’s) Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts. By now, you understand the importance of having such a code of ethics to guide your professional practice. It protects both you and your clients. As a behavior analyst, there will be many situations in which you will need to be able to address an ethical issue immediately. While you always have the option of referring to the code for specific details, it is your professional responsibility to know and understand what is covered in the code.
Scenario
Lance is an adult with disabilities who attends a day treatment program where you are the BCBA. He has been attending this program for three years and has a great relationship with all staff members. Lance lives with his family and is picked up and dropped off daily by a private transport that his family pays for. Recently, the driver and transportation aide approached you to tell you that Lance has been “acting funny.” When pressed for more information, the driver and aide reported that Lance has been making obscene sexual gestures and comments to the driver, the aide, and even passerby on his way to and from the program. Lance’s transportation is not part of the services provided to him through your program, and the behavior is not one you have ever seen while he has been in your care. You are unsure as to whether or not you should address this, since this is happening in a time and place where you are not working with him. However, you are concerned that Lance will get himself into significant trouble if the behavior is not addressed as soon as possible.
Discussion
Discuss how you would go about determining whether or not this is an ethical dilemma that you can/should address. How did you come to this conclusion? How will you communicate your decision to relevant parties? Does this need to be addressed immediately or can you buy some time?
