Declaration of C.A.P.E.S., LLC. Professional Practices and Procedures
PROFESSIONAL RELATIONSHIPS, LIMITATIONS AND RISKS
What We Do Behavior analysis is a unique method of treatment based on the idea that most important human behavior is learned over time and is currently maintained by consequences in the environment. Our job as behavior analysts is to identify and treat socially significant behavior(s). With your input, we can help you/your child discover what is maintaining a behavior, discover more appropriate replacement behaviors, and then set up a plan to teach those behaviors. We can also develop a plan to help you/your child acquire a new behavior or improve your/your child’s skill level. Some of the time, we will provide direct treatment and at other times, we will provide training and support to family members, caregivers, and other involved professionals. Additionally, we will create individualized, detailed and measurable treatment objectives and protocols, and will regularly manage these systems throughout the course of treatment. Treatment may occur across a variety of settings and recommendations for treatment will be based on individual needs.
How We Work
As behavior analysts, we do not make personal judgments about behavior. We view and analyze behavior as a means of communication. After evaluating all available information related to the behavior(s), we will suggest adjustments and modifications to the environment and/or interactions to create more functionally appropriate future behavior(s).
You will be consulted regularly throughout the treatment process. We will ask you about your goals and we will explain assessment and treatment results in a way that you understand. We will describe our plan for intervention or treatment and ask for your approval of that plan. We will be happy to answer any questions that you may have and provide any clarification necessary to ensure that our recommendations are clear. With your advanced permission, we will assist in coordination of care between and amongst relevant providers as it relates to the treatment we provide.
If at any point you want to terminate our treatment relationship, we will assist you in the transition to an alternative treatment provider.
Please know that it is impossible to guarantee any specific results regarding identified treatment goals. However, together we will work to achieve the best possible results. If at any point the data indicates that our consultation and/or treatment is not producing effective results, or is not the best suited option for you/your child, we will discuss termination of treatment and/or providing referral information as needed.
In the interest of effective treatment, it is imperative that we build a strong therapeutic partnership where you feel comfortable sharing your concerns. We will be asking a lot of questions throughout the course of treatment, and making suggestions, which in our professional opinion will create positive changes. The accuracy and applicability of these suggestions will be directly related to the quality of the information you share with us. In other words, the more detailed information you provide, the more specific our recommendations and treatment can be.
As a component of evaluation, we will periodically provide you with visual representations of treatment effectiveness. This may include descriptive summaries, graphical displays, and/or permanent products. The purpose of reviewing this treatment data is to ensure that you are apprised of past, current and future treatment objectives. It is also a measure of efficacy to compare skill acquisition across environments and individuals.
One of the most unique aspects of behavior analysis as a form of treatment is that decisions are made based on objective data that are collected on a regular basis. When new behaviors arise, we will need to take baseline data to first determine the nature and extent of the behavior problem that we are dealing with. The timing for collecting this data will vary, dependent upon the severity and extent of the behavior of interest. Once a consistent rate/type of responding emerges, then we will devise an intervention or treatment protocol, and continue to take data to determine if it is effective. We will review and make changes in treatment based on this data, and will regularly share results.
Under our code of ethical conduct, we are not allowed to work with you/your child in any other capacity except as behavior analysts.
If we are working with a minor child (under the age of 18), we require that a family member or family designated caregiver (over the age of 18) is present and available in the home, at all times. Should a medical or environmental emergency arise, it will be imperative that this person is available to care for the minor child. If it is determined that treatment occur in a community setting, and unless prior written consent is obtained from one or more Principal Behavior Analysts, we require that a family member or family designated caregiver (over the age of 18) transport the minor child and remain available (within 10 minutes) for the duration of the treatment session.
Throughout the course of treatment, we will need a list of any prescribed or over-the-counter medications and/or supplements, as well as being informed of changes to medications and dosage, the name of the prescribing medical professional, and any additional medical or mental health conditions; this information is kept confidential.
CODE OF CONDUCT
We assure you that our services will be rendered in a professional and ethical manner consistent with accepted ethical standards. We are required to adhere to the Professional and Ethical Compliance Code for Behavior Analysts created by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board®. A copy of these guidelines are available upon request.
Although our relationship involves very personal interactions and discussions, it is important to bear in mind that we have a professional relationship. According to our professional code of ethics, it is not appropriate for us to accept gifts or meals and it is not appropriate for us to be involved with you/your child’s personal activities such as birthday parties, or family outings (unrelated to treatment).
If at any time and for any reason you are dissatisfied with our professional relationship (i.e., if you have a complaint related to our professional services), please let us know. We assure you that we will work diligently to clarify and/or rectify any miscommunications. If we are not able to resolve your concerns, you may report these to the following: Behavior Analyst Certification Board, Inc. • 7950 Schaffer Parkway • Littleton, Colorado 80127 • 720-438-4321 • www.bacb.com
CONFIDENTIALITY
Clients and their treatment team have a confidential and privileged relationship. We do not disclose anything that is observed, discussed, or related to clients, except where necessary for effective treatment, and with informed consent. We need you to be aware that confidentiality has limitations as stipulated by law including the following:
We have your written consent to release information.
We determine that you/your child is a danger to yourself or others.
As mandated reporters, we have reasonable grounds to suspect abuse or neglect of a child, disabled adult, or an elder adult.
We are ordered by a judge to disclose information.