If you could use a more experienced BCBA for a case, what is your ethical obligation?

If you could use a more experienced BCBA for a case, what is your ethical obligation?

• A. You May Ethically Provide Services Yourself
• B. You Should Inform the Client That You Are Inexperienced
• C. You Should Seek Supervision or Refer to the More Experienced BCBA
• D. You Must Refuse to Work on the Case

Answer: (C)

When the case would benefit from more experience, the ethical obligation is to arrange supervision with a more experienced BCBA or refer the client to someone who has the necessary expertise. This upholds boundaries of competence and protects the client by ensuring assessments, interventions, and progress decisions are guided by appropriate experience and supervision. Simply telling the client you’re inexperienced doesn’t address the competence issue, and refusing to work isn’t always required if supervision or a referral can be arranged.

When the case would benefit from more experience, the ethical obligation is to arrange supervision with a more experienced BCBA or refer the client to someone who has the necessary expertise. This upholds boundaries of competence and protects the client by ensuring assessments, interventions, and progress decisions are guided by appropriate experience and supervision. Simply telling the client you’re inexperienced doesn’t address the competence issue, and refusing to work isn’t always required if supervision or a referral can be arranged.