This session will review legal and ethical responsibilities of biofeedback and neurofeedback practitioners. Biofeedback professionals are governed in clinical practice by state regulations under the relevant licensing act, professional codes of ethics for his or her home profession, and the Professional Standards and Ethical Principles of Biofeedback (9th rev., May 2016) of the Biofeedback Certification International Alliance (BCIA) and the Professional Standards and Ethical Principles of the International Society for Neuroregulation and Biofeedback (ISNR, 2018).  Neurofeedback practitioners are also governed by the 2012 updated Standards of Practice for Neurofeedback and Neurotherapy, endorsed by the ISNR.

The workshop will provide an overview of medical ethics, ethical principles endorsed by most behavioral professions, and a discussion of the current AAPB/BCIA and ISNR standards. Violation of such guidelines, even when unintended, invites the risk of lawsuit, criminal prosecution, financial penalties, loss of licensure, and expensive and stressful legal and administrative reviews. The presenter will discuss relevant guidelines governing: entry level competence; scope of practice; the delivery of experimental or non-documented therapies; the informed consent process; principles of privacy, confidentiality, and privileged communication; guidelines on dual/multiple relationships; and questions of touch, privacy, and respect. The presenter will place emphasis on the imperative to maintain a positive treatment relationship, eliciting rapport and trust. The therapeutic relationship, along with knowledge of current standards of practice and adherence to professional guidelines, minimize the risk of misunderstanding and litigation. Finally, the session will review current standards for telehealth and infection risk mitigation.

• Attendees will become familiar with the Professional Standards and Ethical Principles documents published by BCIA and ISNR, and their interpretation for decisions in biofeedback and neurofeedback practice.
• Attendees will understand how to navigate the conflicting jurisdictions of state laws and regulations, professional codes of conduct, BCIA guidelines, and federal regulations.
• Attendees will review and discuss practice standards governing entry level competence, continuing education requirements, and scope of practice.
• Attendees will be informed about guidelines for telehealth, infection risk mitigation, and multicultural awareness and diversity.
• Attendees will recognize principles and guidelines governing touching patients and attaching electrodes, while maintaining an empathic respectful professional relationship.