This comparison draws in part from “Ethical Obligations to Report: Sentinel Events and Reportable Incidents” by Jennifer Cowherd, BCBA (BehaviorLive), and extends it with peer-reviewed research from our library of 27,900+ ABA research articles. The decision framework, BACB ethics code references, and cross-links below are synthesized by Behaviorist Book Club.
View the original presentation →Organizations that provide ABA services can approach incident management reactively or proactively. A reactive approach involves responding to incidents as they occur without pre-established systems, often leading to improvised responses that may be incomplete, delayed, or inconsistent. A proactive approach involves building comprehensive incident management systems before incidents occur, including clear protocols, trained staff, established partnerships with oversight bodies, and systematic follow-up processes. The choice between these approaches has direct implications for client safety, regulatory compliance, organizational accountability, and the quality of corrective actions following incidents.
| Factor | Evidence-Based Approach | Traditional Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Preparedness | Reactive: Protocols are developed or improvised during or after an incident | Proactive: Comprehensive protocols are established, documented, and practiced before incidents occur |
| Staff knowledge | Reactive: Staff may not know what constitutes a reportable incident or how to respond | Proactive: All staff are trained on reporting thresholds, procedures, and their individual responsibilities |
| Reporting timeliness | Reactive: Delays in reporting while staff figure out what to do and whom to notify | Proactive: Notification checklists and timelines are established, enabling immediate and complete reporting |
| Investigation quality | Reactive: Investigations may be ad hoc, incomplete, or focused on blame rather than root causes | Proactive: Trained investigators use established methodology focused on root cause analysis |
| Corrective action effectiveness | Reactive: Corrective actions may be vague, incomplete, or unmonitored | Proactive: Corrective actions are specific, systemic, and monitored for effectiveness |
| Organizational culture | Reactive: Fear-based culture where incidents are minimized or concealed | Proactive: Transparent culture where reporting is valued and incidents drive improvement |
The ABA Clubhouse has 60+ on-demand CEUs including ethics, supervision, and clinical topics like this one. Plus a new live CEU every Wednesday.
Use this framework when approaching ethical obligations to report: sentinel events and reportable incidents in your practice:
Does the data support a need for intervention? Is there a meaningful impact on the individual's quality of life, safety, or access to reinforcement?
YES → Proceed to assessment NO → Document reasoning, monitor
A functional assessment should guide intervention selection. Avoid defaulting to standard protocols without individual analysis. Consider environmental variables, setting events, and private events.
YES → Select evidence-based approach matched to function NO → Complete assessment first
Goals should be co-developed. Assent and informed consent are ethical requirements. The individual's preferences and values matter in selecting both goals and methods.
YES → Proceed with collaborative plan NO → Engage in shared decision-making
This course covers the clinical and ethical dimensions in detail with structured learning objectives and CEU credit.
Ethical Obligations to Report: Sentinel Events and Reportable Incidents — Jennifer Cowherd · 1 BACB Ethics CEUs · $25
Take This Course →We extended this decision guide with research from our library — dig into the peer-reviewed studies behind each approach, in plain-English summaries written for BCBAs.
258 research articles with practitioner takeaways
256 research articles with practitioner takeaways
200 research articles with practitioner takeaways
1 BACB Ethics CEUs · $25 · BehaviorLive
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All behavior-analytic intervention is individualized. The information on this page is for educational purposes and does not constitute clinical advice. Treatment decisions should be informed by the best available published research, individualized assessment, and obtained with the informed consent of the client or their legal guardian. Behavior analysts are responsible for practicing within the boundaries of their competence and adhering to the BACB Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts.