Imagine you are at an IEP meeting. The parents, grateful for your hard work, hand you a $5 gift card to Starbucks in front of the principal.
Old rules said: "Reject it! Ethics violation!"
New rules say: "Say thank you." (With conditions).
This lesson covers the critical $10 Gift Rule. We must balance our ethical duty to avoid conflicts of interest with the human need to build rapport.
This video explains Ethical Standard 1.12 (Gifts). Historically, behavior analysts had to reject all gifts, which often made them seem cold or rude. The updated code allows for small gifts if they meet specific criteria. This section outlines the $10 limit, the prohibition on cash, and how to handle frequent gift-givers.
⏱️ Video Timeline
Behavior analysts may accept gifts only if the monetary value is $10 USD or less.
A story about rejecting a $5 donut gift card in a public meeting. This highlights why the rule was changed—to preserve professional relationships.
It is now acceptable to accept a cup of coffee or water in a client's home, provided it falls under the value limit and is infrequent.
🔑 Key Insights
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
1. The Gift Gauge
2. Handling "Cumulative" Gifts
The "Frequency" Trap:
A parent brings you a $5 coffee every single session (3x a week).
Is this allowed? NO.
Even though each coffee is under $10, the cumulative effect creates a financial benefit and an expectation. You must politely decline the routine.
📝 Knowledge Check
Accept or Decline?
Q1: It is Christmas. The family gives you a card with a $20 bill inside. What do you do?
1. It is over $10.
2. It is cash (never allowed). You can thank them for the card but return the money politely.
Q2: It is your last day on the case. The mom gives you a homemade candle. It probably cost $4 to make.
It is under $10, infrequent (discharge gift), and an expression of gratitude. Accepting preserves the relationship.
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