What to Do If Another BCBA in Your Company Is Being Unethical: Navigating Difficult Situations with Integrity
Heyyy, BCBA Ruby here!
We’ve all heard about the importance of ethics in ABA, right? From the moment we step into the field, we’re taught to uphold the highest standards, both for ourselves and for the clients we serve. As BCBAs, we have a moral and professional duty to act ethically, ensure our practices are in the best interest of our clients, and maintain the integrity of the field.
But what happens when you find yourself in a situation where another BCBA in your company is being unethical? Maybe they’re not following treatment protocols, misrepresenting data, or cutting corners in ways that are putting clients at risk. It’s a tough and uncomfortable situation to navigate, but it’s crucial that we address it.
Here’s what I’ve learned about handling this type of situation while maintaining your professionalism and integrity.
1. Recognize the Problem Clearly
Before jumping into any action, you need to make sure that what you’re observing is truly unethical behavior. Ethics in ABA can sometimes feel like a gray area, and what you perceive as a violation may not always be the case. Reflect on the situation and evaluate if the behavior aligns with the ethical guidelines outlined by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). Some of the things to look for are:
Falsifying or fabricating data
Violating confidentiality or privacy
Not obtaining proper consent
Misleading clients or parents about the effectiveness of interventions
Failing to provide adequate supervision to RBTs
Once you’ve clearly identified the issue, it’s important to assess the impact. Is the unethical behavior putting clients at risk? Is it impacting the quality of services being delivered? The more you can identify the problem and its consequences, the clearer it will be when you’re ready to address it.
2. Document the Concerns
When dealing with any ethical issue, documentation is key. Make sure you are documenting specific examples of the unethical behavior. This means taking note of the date, time, and context of what you observed, and including any actions (or lack thereof) that were unethical. Detailed documentation will help you present a clear and objective case when discussing the issue.
It’s important to note that documenting doesn’t mean going straight to formal complaints or accusations. You’re simply gathering facts to support any decisions or actions you may need to take. Always be objective in your documentation—avoid emotional language and stick to the facts.
3. Have a Private Conversation
If you feel comfortable doing so, it’s best to approach the other BCBA privately first. Everyone makes mistakes, and there’s always a chance that they’re unaware of the ethical implications of their behavior. It’s possible they need guidance or a reminder about ethical standards.
When approaching the other BCBA, use a respectful tone. Instead of accusing them, frame the conversation in a way that focuses on discussing what you observed. For example, you could say something like, “Hey, I noticed something recently that I wanted to talk to you about. I’m concerned that [describe the situation] might not align with the ethical standards we are expected to follow. Can we discuss it and make sure we’re on the same page?”
If they are unaware of the issue, it might be a learning opportunity for them. If they respond defensively or are unwilling to acknowledge the issue, it may be necessary to escalate the matter.
4. Escalate to Your Supervisor or HR
If the situation doesn’t improve after your private conversation or if the unethical behavior continues, it’s important to escalate the issue. Reach out to your supervisor or HR department to discuss your concerns. It’s important to be clear and objective, explaining the situation in terms of how it violates ethical guidelines and potentially harms clients.
Make sure to share your documentation and explain why you believe the actions are unethical. Keep the conversation professional and focused on finding a solution, not pointing fingers.
It’s crucial that you report unethical behavior, not just for the safety of your clients, but also for the integrity of the field. When you stay silent in these situations, you may inadvertently condone the behavior.
5. Understand the Risks and Consequences
Reporting unethical behavior can be a difficult and risky situation. You may be worried about potential backlash or damaging your relationship with the other BCBA or other team members. But remember that your duty to your clients and the field outweighs personal discomfort. If the unethical behavior continues and isn’t addressed, it could lead to serious consequences—not only for the clients but for the company and the reputation of the ABA field.
By speaking up, you are protecting the clients you serve and preserving the trust families place in ABA services. You’re also helping ensure that our field remains grounded in ethical principles, which ultimately benefits everyone.
6. Reflect on Your Own Actions and Ethics
Sometimes, dealing with unethical behavior from others can also be a reminder to reflect on our own practices. Are we upholding the ethical guidelines in our work? Are we staying true to the principles of ABA in our interactions with clients, families, and colleagues? This reflection can help you feel more confident in your ability to navigate difficult situations and hold yourself accountable as a professional.
Final Thoughts
Dealing with an unethical BCBA is a tough situation, but it’s an important part of maintaining the integrity of our profession. By addressing the issue thoughtfully and professionally, you can help protect your clients, your team, and the ABA field as a whole.
Remember, ethics should always come first. If you’re faced with this difficult situation, don’t let fear or uncertainty hold you back from doing the right thing. Your clients deserve the best care, and your commitment to ethical practices is key to providing that.
