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Ethics GuidesApplied Behavior Analysis › 2.15

2.15 — Minimizing Risk of Behavior-Change Interventions

Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts (2022) · Reference for BCBAs, BCaBAs, and RBTs · Source: BACB

What does 2.15 say?

Behavior analysts select, design, and implement behavior-change interventions (including the selection and use of consequences) with a focus on minimizing risk of harm to the client and stakeholders. They recommend and implement restrictive or punishment-based procedures only after demonstrating that desired results have not been obtained using less intrusive means, or when it is determined by an existing intervention team that the risk of harm to the client outweighs the risk associated with the behavior-change intervention. When recommending and implementing restrictive or punishment-based procedures, behavior analysts comply with any required review processes (e.g., a human rights review committee). Behavior analysts must continually evaluate and document the effectiveness of restrictive or punishment-based procedures and modify or discontinue the behavior-change intervention in a timely manner if it is ineffective.

Official source: read the full text in the Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts (2022) (official document).

Related sections

1.01 — Being Truthful1.02 — Conforming with Legal and Professional Requirements1.03 — Accountability1.04 — Practicing within a Defined Role1.05 — Practicing within Scope of Competence1.06 — Maintaining Competence1.07 — Cultural Responsiveness and Diversity1.08 — Nondiscrimination
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