SPCE 619 Professional Ethics In Applied Behavior Analysis SAFMEDS Practice Test

Informed consent is an ongoing process, not a one-time event. You obtain it before starting services and you must renew it whenever the treatment plan changes in meaningful ways—such as new procedures, increased risks, different goals, or changes in who delivers the services. Ongoing consent means regularly checking that the client (and guardians, when appropriate) still understands, agrees with the direction, and is willing to continue. When the client cannot give full consent, you seek assent from them in addition to consent from a guardian. This approach protects autonomy and safety by allowing withdrawal or modification of services at any time. Consent only at intake or not required once services begin misses these ongoing, change-sensitive requirements, and expecting consent only if the client asks is inconsistent with professional ethics.