The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies presents behavior analysts with a challenge that the field has not previously faced at this scale: how to integrate powerful new tools into clinical practice while maintaining the ethical standards that define the profession. This course, presented by Rebecca Womack, takes a deliberately cautious approach, urging practitioners to pause and carefully examine the ethical terrain before adopting AI and ML technologies in their clinical work.
Provider: BehaviorLive — via Behavior Intervention Group, LLC.
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Join Free →Discussions about advancements in technology are nearly constant in today's media. The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) into applied behavior analysis (ABA) services is not a question of "if" but "how" and "in what ways." Although the Behavior Analyst Certification Board's® (BACB) Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts does not explicitly address AI and ML, its principles and standards provide relevant ethical guidance. Behavior analysts incorporating these technologies into their clinical practices must consider their ethical obligations to all stakeholders, including clients, families, supervisees, funders, employers, and their own professional development. Critical considerations include the impact on clinical judgment, the development of treatment plans and goals, and the broader implications for stakeholders such as payors, caregivers, and other service providers. Ensuring that technology enhances rather than diminishes clinical skills and professional integrity is paramount. This presentation will explore the ethical and clinical considerations of using AI and ML in ABA practice, offering guidelines to maintain ethical standards, promote transparency, and support the continuous development of practitioners' skillsets. Additionally, the session will address the real-world application of these technologies and their effects on all stakeholders involved in service delivery. Attendees will explore the ethical principles that intersect with using AI and ML. Attendees will learn about the impact of AI and ML on the development of clinical judgment and practice. Attendees will learn about ethical recommendations for using technology as a behavior analyst.
| Certification Body | Credits | Type |
|---|---|---|
| BACB® | 1 | Ethics |
Rebecca has been privileged to serve adults and children using applied behavior analysis (ABA) in settings such as facility-based care, group homes, day centers, clinics, and family homes both across the United States and overseas. In addition to her clinical experience, Rebecca is passionate about ABA service delivery aligning with generally accepted standards of care. With an expertise in applying health care documentation requirements and systems of compliance, she served as the lead author of a chapter on organizational documentation guidelines for ABA services.Rebecca is co-chair of the Documentation Special Interest Group (SIG) for the Council of Autism Service Providers (CASP), a co-leader for the AI/ML Workgroup, an appointed Subject Matter Expert for the Association of Professional Behavior Analysts, and a Member of the Board of Directors for the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). Rebecca also has extensive experience with public policy work. Not only is she an experienced presenter at national conferences, she has also won national awards for her role as an advocate and work to support ABA organizations in delivering quality services. Rebecca formed RAW Consulting Solutions as a way to provide education and consultation services to ABA organizations, professionals, and providers of ABA services. Whatever the role, her ultimate goal is to make a significant impact through effective and efficient services utilizing the science of behavior analysis.
Dig into the research behind this topic — plain-English summaries written for BCBAs.
279 research articles with practitioner takeaways
252 research articles with practitioner takeaways
239 research articles with practitioner takeaways
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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.