AI Ethics in Practice: Applied Behavior Analysis and Legal Industries Navigate the Digital Frontier

Artificial intelligence (AI) has been making waves across industries, transforming how tasks are approached, decisions are made, and services are delivered. AI has opened doors to immense possibilities in applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy and the legal profession while raising critical ethical considerations. Both fields now stand at the crossroads of innovation and accountability, grappling with the responsibilities and challenges of embracing AI-driven tools.

In ABA therapy, AI is poised to enhance patient care by analyzing complex behavioral patterns, customizing intervention strategies, and supporting decision-making in treatment plans. AI-powered tools can ensure documentation compliance, streamline data collection, and help clinicians deliver more personalized therapy. However, this potential is accompanied by the need for behavior analysts to adhere to ethical frameworks rigorously. Professionals in ABA are guided by principles outlined by the Behavior Analysts Certification Board (BACB), which emphasize transparency, confidentiality, and the integration of AI as a supportive tool rather than a replacement for human judgment.

Clinical leaders, Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs), and Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) must continuously evaluate whether the use of AI aligns with the core goal of improving the learner's experience. Ongoing discussions and open communication are essential for navigating the use of AI tools responsibly, ensuring that technology complements—rather than compromises—the values and standards of the ABA profession.

Similarly, the legal industry is confronting the transformative potential of generative AI (GenAI). The American Bar Association's (ABA) Formal Opinion 512 has laid a foundation for understanding the ethical use of GenAI in legal practice. Recognizing the rapid evolution of AI technology, the ABA underscores the importance of competence, confidentiality, transparency, and supervision when employing GenAI tools. Lawyers are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the capabilities and limitations of AI, ensuring that its implementation upholds the integrity of their practice.

Transparency remains a cornerstone in both fields. In ABA therapy, stakeholders must be informed about where and how AI is used in clinical practices. Similarly, the ABA mandates that lawyers disclose their use of GenAI tools if client agreements or inquiries require them. In both contexts, ethical deployment hinges on balancing innovation and caution—leveraging AI's benefits while safeguarding against potential risks.

Both fields also highlight the necessity of human oversight. Whether assisting therapists in behavioral interventions or aiding lawyers in drafting legal documents, AI is not a substitute for human expertise. Instead, it is a tool that requires thoughtful integration guided by well-defined ethical standards.

By fostering ongoing dialogue and remaining vigilant about the evolving landscape of AI, professionals in ABA therapy and the legal industry can embrace innovation without compromising their ethical responsibilities. The path forward requires a commitment to learning, collaboration, and an unwavering focus on the people at the heart of these professions. With these guiding principles, AI has the potential to be a powerful ally in improving lives, advancing justice, and shaping a future where technology and ethics coexist harmoniously.