This comparison draws in part from “Opening Remarks + Keynote: Scope of Competence: Just Because A Behavior Analyst Can Doesn't Mean All Behavior Analysts Can” by Tyra Sellers, JD, PhD, BCBA-D (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 →One of the most consequential decisions a behavior analyst makes is not just what intervention to use, but how to approach the clinical question in the first place. For opening remarks + keynote: scope of competence: just because a behavior analyst can doesn't mean all behavior analysts can, the difference between an evidence-based, individualized approach and a traditional, protocol-driven one can significantly impact outcomes.
This guide lays out the key factors side by side to support your clinical decision-making.
| Factor | Evidence-Based Approach | Traditional Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Scope of practice: the full range of activities that a credentialed behavior analyst is legally authorized to perform based on their professional certification | Scope of competence: the specific subset of activities that an individual practitioner is qualified to perform based on their personal education, training, supervised experience, and ongoing development |
| Who determines it | Defined by credentialing bodies (BACB), state licensing boards, and regulatory frameworks; applies uniformly to all holders of the credential | Determined by the individual practitioner through honest self-assessment, validated by supervisors, mentors, and colleagues; unique to each practitioner |
| Breadth | Intentionally broad to encompass the full range of behavior analytic applications across populations, settings, and conditions | Intentionally narrow relative to scope of practice; reflects the specific areas where the individual has demonstrated competence through training and experience |
| Stability over time | Remains constant as long as the credential is maintained; changes only when credentialing standards are updated | Changes continuously as the practitioner gains new training and experience, and as competencies that are not actively maintained may erode |
| Ethical implications | Operating within scope of practice satisfies legal and regulatory requirements but does not guarantee competent service delivery | Operating within scope of competence satisfies both regulatory requirements and the ethical obligation to provide effective treatment (Code 1.05, Code 2.01) |
| Risk management | Relying solely on scope of practice creates risk of providing services outside one's competence, leading to potential harm, ethical violations, and liability | Evaluating scope of competence for each clinical decision reduces risk by matching practitioner capabilities to client needs |
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Use this framework when approaching opening remarks + keynote: scope of competence: just because a behavior analyst can doesn't mean all behavior analysts can 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.
Opening Remarks + Keynote: Scope of Competence: Just Because A Behavior Analyst Can Doesn't Mean All Behavior Analysts Can — Tyra Sellers · 1 BACB Ethics CEUs · $20
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.
279 research articles with practitioner takeaways
239 research articles with practitioner takeaways
236 research articles with practitioner takeaways
1 BACB Ethics CEUs · $20 · 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.