Ethical Analysis of Jeremy’s Behavior Analytic Company Advertisement

QUESTION

Jeremy is developing his own behavior analytic company, the only one within a radius of 100 miles. He believes his new company will take off due to the high demand of the local population for applied behavior analysis (ABA) services and the distance to other behavior analytic companies.
He has already hired one Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and five Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs). The BCBA will conduct the Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs) and design the behavior intervention plans (BIPs) based upon the function of the target behaviors identified through the FBA. Of course, since business is sure to be good, the RBTs may have to assume some responsibility of conducting the FBAs. He can provide them with bonuses based upon the additional duties.
Advertising is essential to any new company, and Jeremy wants to get the word out in a big way. He decides to place an ad in all the hometown newspapers listing the services his company will provide. Of course, Jeremy will list acquisition and reduction programs, Functional Communication Training (FCT), and since floor time and facilitated communication are so popular now, he will list these as well. He can learn about those therapy approaches as the clients request them. After all, the primary purpose of advertising is to get noticed. He has a colleague who is not a BCBA that suggests advertising that his clinic can significantly minimize autism and possibly cure symptoms.
To ensure the revenue is adequate for the start-up, he will require the BCBA to request a minimum of 10 direct service hours per client per week, providing a healthy beginning.
Assess Jeremy’s behavior for adherence to and/or violations of Section 5: Responsibility in Public Statements. Discuss the codes to which he is adhering and those that he is violating. Explain the behaviors he is engaging with that support your assessment. How might Jeremy correct any violations to return to compliance with the Code?

ANSWER

Ethical Analysis of Jeremy’s Behavior Analytic Company Advertisement

Jeremy’s approach to advertising his behavior analytic company raises concerns regarding adherence to the Behavior Analyst Certification Board’s (BACB) Professional and Ethical Compliance Code for Behavior Analysts. Specifically, his actions may raise questions related to Section 5: Responsibility in Public Statements. Let’s examine the codes to which he adheres and those he violates, and discuss potential corrective actions.

Adherence to BACB Code

Code 5.03: Descriptive Behavior-Analytic Services: Jeremy adheres to this code by appropriately describing the behavior-analytic services offered by his company, such as acquisition and reduction programs, Functional Communication Training (FCT), floor time, and facilitated communication. It’s essential to provide a clear description of services to potential clients.

Violations of BACB Code

Code 5.01: Truthful and Accurate Information: Jeremy may violate this code by suggesting that his clinic can “minimize autism” and “possibly cure symptoms.” Making such claims without scientific evidence or substantiated data can be misleading and ethically problematic. It’s crucial to provide truthful and accurate information to avoid raising false hopes or making unsubstantiated claims.

Code 5.05: Describing One’s Self as a “Behavior Analyst”: If Jeremy’s colleague, who is not a BCBA, is involved in the clinic’s advertising, it may violate this code. Designating individuals who are not certified behavior analysts as “behavior analysts” can be misleading to the public. It’s essential to accurately represent the qualifications of individuals involved in behavior-analytic services.

To correct these violations and return to compliance with the Code, Jeremy can consider the following steps:

Avoid making unsubstantiated claims: Jeremy should refrain from making claims about “minimizing autism” or “curing symptoms” unless there is robust scientific evidence to support such statements. Instead, he should provide accurate and evidence-based information about the services offered by his company.

Clearly define roles and qualifications: Jeremy should ensure that individuals who are not certified behavior analysts are not referred to as “behavior analysts” in his advertising. It is essential to accurately represent the qualifications of each team member to maintain transparency and trust.

Seek guidance from a BCBA: Consulting with a Board Certified Behavior Analyst or an ethical advisor can help Jeremy navigate the complexities of advertising behavior-analytic services while adhering to ethical guidelines.

In conclusion, Jeremy’s approach to advertising his behavior analytic company requires adjustments to align with the BACB’s Professional and Ethical Compliance Code. By providing accurate information and avoiding misleading claims, Jeremy can maintain ethical standards while promoting his services effectively.