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E.4: Identify and comply with requirements for collecting, using, protecting, and disclosing confidential information.

Free practice questions for this part of the BCBA, with an explanation for every option.

Unless laws or regulations require a longer period, how long does the Ethics Code require behavior analysts to keep client records?
  1. A. 3 years after services end
    Incorrect. Three years does not meet the minimum.
  2. B. Until the client turns 18
    Incorrect. Retention is not tied to the client's age under the Code.
  3. C. At least 7 years
    Correct. Records are kept for at least 7 years, or longer if the law requires it.
  4. D. 1 year after services end
    Incorrect. One year is much shorter than the Code requires.
A client's 2nd-grade teacher calls the BCBA to ask how the student is doing on his behavior plan at home. The parents have not signed a release allowing information to be shared with the school. What should the BCBA do?
  1. A. Share a summary, since the teacher is a professional working with the same child
    Incorrect. Being a professional does not give the teacher a right to confidential information without consent.
  2. B. Explain that she can't discuss the client without permission, and ask the parents for written consent before sharing anything
    Correct. Behavior analysts need informed consent before disclosing confidential information unless the law requires or permits disclosure.
  3. C. Send the teacher the full progress report so the teacher can follow the plan at school
    Incorrect. Sending records without consent is a clear breach of confidentiality.
  4. D. Confirm the child is a client but share no data
    Incorrect. Even confirming that someone is a client discloses confidential information.
During a home session, a 9-year-old client tells the RBT that her uncle hit her with a belt, and the RBT sees welts on her arm. The RBT reports this to the supervising BCBA. Which action best follows confidentiality requirements?
  1. A. Ask the uncle for his side before deciding what to do
    Incorrect. Investigating is the authorities' job. Approaching the alleged perpetrator could put the child at risk.
  2. B. Get the parents' written consent before contacting anyone
    Incorrect. Mandated reports do not require consent and should not be delayed to get it.
  3. C. Keep it confidential, because the information came up during a session
    Incorrect. Confidentiality has legal limits, and suspected child abuse is one of them.
  4. D. Report the suspected abuse to the proper child protective authority as mandated reporting laws require, and document it
    Correct. Behavior analysts disclose confidential information when the law requires it, as with mandated abuse reporting.

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