Professional credentials in applied behavior analysis, specifically the BCBA and RBT certifications, represent more than letters after a name. They represent a professional's competence, ethical commitment, and legal authority to provide behavior analytic services.
Provider: BehaviorLive — via Council of Autism Service Providers
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Join Free →Managing credentials for Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) and Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) requires the same level of diligence as protecting personal information like bank accounts or social security numbers. This presentation will address the growing risks and unethical practices related to the misuse and mismanagement of credentials in applied behavior analysis. Recent trends show that some companies are requesting credentialing information beyond employment agreements or offering a percentage of billing revenue in exchange for credential use. Such practices breach ethical guidelines and expose professionals to risks of fraud, potentially causing harm to both practitioners and clients. In this technical session, we will review the ethical codes from the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) regarding the appropriate use and management of professional credentials. We will explore effective strategies for safeguarding and managing credential information, addressing common risks associated with companies retaining credentialing data beyond employment agreements. Additionally, we will discuss instances of credential misuse and share complaint data, including real-life examples of credential fraud and its detrimental impact on behavior analysts and the vulnerable populations they serve. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the importance of independent credential management, and how to protect themselves from potential unethical practices. Through this presentation, behavior analysts will be equipped to ensure their credentials are used ethically, and will learn strategies to prevent misuse, fraud, and potential harm to their professional standing.
| Certification Body | Credits | Type |
|---|---|---|
| BACB® | 1 | Ethics |
| APA | 0 | — |
| COA | 1 | — |
Dr. Diana Davis-Wilson, DBH, LBA, BCBA, IBA is an Arizona Licensed Behavior Analyst with extensive experience in providing consultation and training to families, school districts, and organizational personnel across the nation. For several years, Dr. Davis-Wilson held a leadership position at an autism provider organization based in Arizona. In this role, she oversaw applied behavior analysis programs for numerous children throughout the state. Driven by her commitment to professional development and sustainability within the field of behavior analysis, she created an inclusive curriculum-based supervision program that provided employment opportunities and training for aspiring professionals and students. In addition to her clinical leadership roles, Dr. Davis-Wilson has actively contributed to various boards both in Arizona and on a national level. Her positions have included AzABA (Association for Behavior Analysis), the Autism Advisory Council of the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS), Glendale Community College's Behavioral Health Sciences Occupational Advisory Board (BHS-OAB), the Behavioral Health Centers of Excellence Scientific Advisory Board (BHCOE), and the Development Disabilities Safety Council. Furthermore, she has been appointed by the Governor as a board member with the Arizona Board of Psychologist Examiners. Dr. Diana Davis-Wilson is also a university professor. She actively collaborates with other professional organizations to provide education, advocacy efforts, and guidance on early access to care, best practices, and evidence-based treatment methods. Additionally, she is deeply passionate about offering law enforcement training regarding autism developmental disabilities, crisis response, and behavior analysis.
Dig into the research behind this topic — plain-English summaries written for BCBAs.
280 research articles with practitioner takeaways
279 research articles with practitioner takeaways
258 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.