Speaker 1: Welcome back to our BACB Ethics series. There are seven ethics code. In today's video, we'll be covering the second half of Section 3, Responsibility to Clients and Stakeholders from the BACB Ethics Code. This section is crucial because it emphasizes the responsibility behavior analysts have to prioritize the best interests of their clients. Communicate clearly with stakeholders and maintain ethical standards in every aspect of their work. We'll break down key points and provide practical examples to help you understand how these guidelines apply in real world situations. Let's dive in. 3.10 Limitations of Confidentiality. Behavior analysts inform clients and stakeholders of the limitations of confidentiality at the outset of the professional relationship and when information disclosures are required. That means behavior analysts must clearly explain to clients and stakeholders any situations where confidentiality may be breached, such as legal obligations to report certain information. Let's look at clinical examples. At the start of services, a behavior analyst explains to a family that while most information will remain confidential, there are circumstances like mandated reporting where confidentiality may be breached. Another example, a behavior analyst informs a client's legal guardian that certain information might need to be shared with other professionals involved in the client's care and explains the limits of confidentiality in such cases. 3.11 Documenting Professional Activity. Throughout the service relationship, behavior analysts create and maintain detailed and high quality documentation of their professional activities to facilitate provision of services by them or by other professionals to ensure accountability and to meet applicable requirements, example laws, regulations, funder and organization policies. That means behavior analysts must keep detailed and accurate records of all their professional activities. This documentation ensures continuity of care, accountability and compliance with legal and organizational requirements. Let's look at clinical examples. A behavior analyst meticulously documents all sessions, treatment plans and communications with stakeholders, ensuring that if another professional needs to take over, they have a clear understanding of the client's history. Another example, when a funding agency requests documentation, the behavior analyst has complete and accurate records ready to submit, demonstrating compliance with all relevant policies. 3.12 Advocating for Appropriate Services. Behavior analysts advocate for and educate clients and stakeholders about evidence-based assessment and behavior change intervention procedures. They also advocate for the appropriate amount and level of behavioral service provision and oversight required to meet defined client goals. That means behavior analysts must promote the use of evidence-based practices and ensure that clients receive the appropriate amount of service to meet their needs. Let's look at clinical examples. A behavior analyst explains to a client's parents why certain evidence-based intervention is recommended over a popular but unproven method they heard about from a friend. Another example, a behavior analyst advocates for additional therapy hours for a client when they believe the current amount is insufficient to meet the client's behavioral goals. 3.13 Referrals. Behavior analysts make referrals based on the needs of the client and or relevant stakeholders and include multiple providers when available. They disclose to the client and relevant stakeholders any relationships they have with potential providers and any fees or incentives they may receive for the referrals. That means behavior analysts must refer clients to other providers when it's in the client's best interest. They should disclose any relationships or incentives they have with these providers. Let's look at clinical examples. A behavior analyst refers a client to a specialized therapist who can address needs outside of their own expertise and informs the client that they have previously collaborated with this therapist. Another example, when referring a client to a new service provider, the behavior analyst discloses that they will receive a referral fee. Ensuring transparency in their professional relationship, 3.14 Facilitating continuity of services, behavior analysts act in the best interests of the client to avoid interruption or disruption of services. They make appropriate and timely efforts to facilitate the continuation of behavioral services. In the event of planned interruptions, example, relocation, temporary leave of absence and unplanned interruptions, example, illness, funding disruption, parent request, emergencies, that means behavior analysts must ensure that their client's services are not interrupted. If interruptions are unavoidable, they should plan ahead to minimize their impact. Let's look at clinical examples. A behavior analyst is planning a leave of absence and arranges for a qualified colleague to take over their caseload, temporarily ensuring that clients continue to receive services without interruption. Another example, when a client's funding is unexpectedly cut, the behavior analyst works quickly to find alternative solutions to maintain continuity of care, such as transitioning the client to a lower cost service or helping the family seek additional funding. 3.15, Appropriately discontinuing services. Behavior analysts include the circumstances for discontinuing services in their service agreement. They consider discontinuing services when one, the client has met all behavior change goals, two, the client is not benefiting from the service, three, the behavior analyst and or their supervisees or trainees are exposed to potentially harmful conditions that cannot be reasonably resolved, four, the client and a relevant stakeholder requests discontinuation, five, the relevant stakeholders are not complying with the behavior change intervention. Despite appropriate efforts to address barriers or six services are no longer funded, that means behavior analysts must clearly outline when and how services may be discontinued. They must consider discontinuation if the client has met their goals, is not benefiting, or if there are insurmountable barriers to service. Let's look at clinical examples. A behavior analyst decides to discontinue services for a client who has consistently met all their behavior change goals, ensuring a smooth transition with a plan for maintaining progress. Another example, a client's family repeatedly fails to implement key components of the behavior change plan despite multiple consultations. The behavior analyst considers discontinuing services and discusses the situation with the family documenting the decision-making process. 3.16 appropriately transitioning services behavior analysts include in their service agreement, the circumstances for transitioning the client to another behavior analyst within or outside of their organization. They make appropriate efforts to effectively manage transitions provide a written plan that includes target dates. transition activities and responsible parties and review the plan throughout the transition. That means behavior analysts must plan for a managed transitions carefully, ensuring that clients experience minimal disruption when moving to a new provider or service. Let's look at clinical examples. A behavior analyst is relocating to a new state and begins the process of transitioning their clients to another provider. They create a detailed transition plan and keep the client and their family informed throughout the process. Another example, when a client's needs exceed the behavior analyst's expertise, they arrange for a smooth transition to a more qualified provider, ensuring the client receives uninterrupted care. That wraps up today's session on the BACB ethics code section three. I hope you found it helpful as we explored the key responsibilities to clients and stakeholders. In the next few videos, we'll be switching things up and practicing with some mock exam questions to help you apply what you've learned. Be sure to stay tuned and don't forget to subscribe and press like buttons so you don't miss out. See you next time.