A Call for Discussion About Scope of Competence in Behavior Analysis

Abstract

The field of behavior analysis has defined its scope of practice through credentialing and licensure efforts. However, scope of competence in behavior analysis has received little discussion. Scope of competence refers to activities that the individual practitioner can perform at a certain criterion level (e.g., the functional analysis is conducted accurately and safely, a skill acquisition program includes critical program components and establishes accurate stimulus control). Given the successful efforts of behavior analysts in growth and recognition of the field, it is time for a robust conversation about scope of competence for the field of behavior analysis. This discussion can clarify how behavior analysts self-evaluate their own scope of competence and how they might expand their scope of competence if the needs of consumers require practitioners to expand into new areas.

A Proposed Process for Risk Mitigation During the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…A current lack of competence in telehealth service delivery does not justify continued in-person service delivery during the COVID-19 pandemic. Individuals credentialed by the BACB are also ethically obligated to make genuine and ongoing efforts to obtain professional development and supervision to meet the present needs of their clients (see Brodhead, Quigley, &Wilczynski, 2018, andLeBlanc, Heinicke, &Baker, 2012, for recommendations on expanding one's scope of competence). Fortunately, the Council for Autism Service Providers has a public repository with resources for delivering ABA services via telehealth and telephonic media (The Council of Autism Service Providers, 2020).…”

A Proposed Process for Risk Mitigation During the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…A current lack of competence in telehealth service delivery does not justify continued in person service delivery during the COVID-19 pandemic. Individuals credentialed by the BACB are also ethically obligated to make genuine and ongoing efforts to obtain professional development and supervision to meet the present needs of their clients (see Brodhead, Quigley, & Wilczynski, 2018;LeBlanc, Heinicke, & Baker, 2012 for recommendations on expanding one's scope of competence). Fortunately, the Council for Autism Service Providers has a public repository with resources for delivering ABA services via telehealth and telephonic media (CASP, 2020).…”

Can Behavior Analysis Help Us Understand and Reduce Racism? A review of the Current Literature

“…Behavior analysts can follow many possible next steps. For example, we can do the following: We should also try to improve service delivery to diverse populations that may be affected by racial bias from providers (Brodhead, Quigley, & Wilczynski, 2018;Fong, Ficklin, & Lee, 2017). Unfortunately, recent survey data show that behavior analysts have minimal experience working with diverse cultural minorities and lack the training needed to respond to the multifaceted difficulties these groups face (Beaulieu, Addington, & Almeida, 2018;Conners, Johnson, Duarte, Murriky, & Marks, 2019).…”