PSY7705 U2D - Unit 2 discussion PDF

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Unit 2 discussion...

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Unit Two Discussion Seven-Step Model This unit focuses on the varying complexity of ethical dilemmas as well as the seven-step model for analyzing these situations. Consider the following scenario and describe how you would respond using the seven-step model. The Medicaid wavier agency where I am providing behavioral services billed for behavioral services that were not provided to the client. I am sorry to say this was probably not just an error because this is not the first time it has done this. My ethical conflict is that the agency did provide another service the family desperately needed, so the family has not reported the agency. The family did not want to lose the best personal care attendant they have ever had. Does this balance out? The family and child really did need this personal care attendant. Can I get in trouble for not reporting this? And I don't even know to whom or how I would report this (Bailey & Burch, 2016, pp. 344–345). Reference Bailey, J. S., & Burch, M. R. (2016). Ethics for behavior analysts (3rd ed.). New York, NY: Routledge. Answer: In analyzing this case, the first step, according to Bailey and Burch (2016), is to review the Professional and Ethical Compliance Code for Behavior Analysts to see whether the incident is covered. In reviewing the Professional and Ethical Compliance Code for Behavior Analysts, I believe that this incident would be covered under the following codes: 2.12 Contract, Fees, and Financial Arrangements (a) Prior to the implementation of services, behavior analysts ensure that there is in place a signed contract outlining the responsibilities of all parties, the scope of behavior-analytic services to be provided, and behavior analysts’ obligations under this Code. (Bailey & Burch, 2016) 2.13 Accuracy in Billing Reports Behavior analysts accurately state the nature of the services provided, the fees or charges, the identity of the provider, relevant outcomes, and other required descriptive data. (Bailey & Burch, 2016) According to Code 2.12(a) in the Professional and Ethical Compliance Code for Behavior Analysts, prior to implementing any services to individuals, a contract needs to be signed that should state the services that will be provided as well as the fees for those services. When these parents signed this contract, they were aware of a service that was going to be given. In this case, that service was not provided, but an alternate one not stated in the contract, going against the agreement in the contract. Code 2.13 states that behavior analysts should prepare accurate billing reports, and in this case, even though this behavior analyst does not work independently and probably does not prepare the billing reposts herself, she is aware of the billing error that her company has made intentionally, according to her because it is not the first time it has happened. (Bailey & Burch, 2016) The second step is to analyze who the stakeholders are in this situation. In this situation, the stakeholders are the behavior analyst, the client, and the supervisor who is aware of the alternate service that was provided. It is the behavior analysts’ job to correct this situation. First, the behavior analyst should take this case to their supervisor to see if there was a mistake made.

Even though, as the behavior analysts stated it was not the first time it had happened, it may be an unintentional error. Hopefully the supervisor will agree with behavior analyst and implement something so that it does not happen again. If the supervisor is aware, then behavior analyst should bring this situation to the owner. Besides correcting the problem with the company, it is important to notify the insurance company of the breach of contract that has happened between the family and the agency for them to correct it as well. If taking the case to the supervisor and owner fails, then the behavior analyst should speak with the parents. When speaking to parents, the behavior analyst should approach them with care. It should not be done in the agency and compassionate wording should be used because in this case, an alternate service was provided that the child desperately needed, and it may be tough to convince them to approach the agency to correct the situation. If all fails, then the responsibility of the behavior analyst should be to find another job that never requires them to break the Professional and Ethical Compliance Code for Behavior Analysts. (Bailey & Burch, 2016) Step One: In analyzing this case, the first step, according to Bailey and Burch (2016), is to review the Professional and Ethical Compliance Code for Behavior Analysts to see whether the incident is covered. In reviewing the Professional and Ethical Compliance Code for Behavior Analysts, I believe that this incident would be covered Step Two: The behavioralist, the client, the parents, the insurance company and the agency. Step Three: Plan A: talk to the agency Plan B: Speak with the parents about the situation Step C: Report and quit Step Four: Skills: interpersonal, communication, leadership Step Five: The client loses their services and the agency loses their funding Step Six: Make sure to carry out the plan. Step Seven: Keep as many notes and documents as possible so that you can use this for future references of ethical violations. Reference Bailey, J. S., & Burch, M. R. (2016). Ethics for behavior analysts (3rd ed.). New York, NY: Routledge....