2.0 Ethics Case 2

Problem-solving step Your response Response example
Identify the problem

Christine is facing a difficult and ethically complex situation with her unresponsive supervisee.

 The supervisee’s unresponsiveness has halted the progression of an effective supervision program.
Relevant ethical standard(s)

2.02 (Supervision): Ensure she is providing the appropriate level of supervision and feedback.
1.02 (Competence): Ensure that both she and her supervisee are competent in the areas being supervised.
1.05 (Professional and Ethical Compliance Code): Consider self-care and ensuring that she is not being put in a position where her ethical responsibilities are compromised.

 4.08 Performance Monitoring and Feedback
Consider dimensions of the problem

Christine could open a non-confrontational conversation with the supervisee to explore any underlying issues (personal, professional, or organizational) that may be affecting their performance and engagement in supervision. This conversation could involve asking open-ended questions to understand the supervisee’s perspective.

 Christine has a responsibility to create a supervision program that engages supervisees in progress toward goals and identify barriers to effective supervision. The supervisee also has a responsibility to respond to feedback and actively participate.
These responsibilities and standards for communication and responding to feedback are stated in the contract for trainees and BCaBA supervisees, but there is no contract for RBT supervision.
The supervisee cannot continue to work if Christine refuses to continue with supervision, which might cause conflict with her employer.
Consider courses of action & potential consequences

ensure professional boundaries are maintained, emphasizing the expectation of accountability in the professional relationship

 Christine can deliver a written warning and plan for remediation with consequences outlined, but she does not have the authority to terminate the RBT’s employment.
Christine also fears for her own employment if she pursues the matter further.
If she continues with supervision, Christine is certain she will be violating the ethics code by signing off on supervision hours that have no effect on the supervisee’s service delivery.
Select a course of action

Address the resistance directly by exploring barriers, setting clear expectations, and holding the supervisee accountable.
Document everything thoroughly to protect both herself and the supervisee.
Engage in mentoring or seek guidance from a more experienced BCBA or supervisor.
Escalate the issue with her employer if necessary, advocating for solutions that maintain supervision integrity.

 Christine decides that her BCBA certification is the most important thing and that continuing with an unethical situation will jeopardize her credentials. She writes a memo to her employer, citing the relevant codes from the BACB, attached a copy of the code, and then proceeds with a plan for remediation. She cannot fire the RBT but she can refuse to provide his supervision.
Implement and evaluate course of action

Christine must ensure that her efforts to manage the situation reflect the ethical standards of the BCBA Ethics Code, including the obligation to maintain effective supervision, ensure the competence of her supervisee, and uphold the integrity of services being provided. If she is unable to resolve the situation with the RBT, she may need to escalate the matter appropriately and seek additional support from her employer or colleagues.

 Christine’s course of action was not the easiest option but it was the only option for her to continue to work as a behavior analyst in the future. Also, putting her foot down will send the message to her employer that she answers to the ethics codes first.