Aviation ABA Therapy LLC is committed to providing a safe, inclusive environment for both clients and staff members. This policy ensures compliance with Utah Code 26B-2-109 by prohibiting sex and gender-based abuse, discrimination, and harassment, and by establishing procedures for individualized assessments, prevention, reporting, and professional communication.
Scope
This policy applies to:
- All employees, contractors, volunteers, and interns of Aviation ABA Therapy LLC
- All clients, families, and program participants
- All service settings (clinic-based, community-based, and telehealth)
Definitions
Sex-Based Abuse
Any act of harm, intimidation, or mistreatment based on biological sex.
- Client example: Refusing therapy because the client is female.
- Staff example: Denying promotion because the employee is male.
Gender-Based Abuse
Harmful actions based on gender identity or expression.
- Client example: Misgendering a client who identifies as non-binary.
- Staff example: Mocking an employee’s gender identity during meetings.
Discrimination
Unequal treatment based on sex, gender identity, or sexual orientation.
- Client example: Assigning fewer therapy hours because of sexual orientation.
- Staff example: Giving less favorable shifts based on gender identity.
Harassment
Unwelcome conduct that creates a hostile environment.
- Client example: Making jokes about a client’s sexual orientation.
- Staff example: Using slurs or offensive language toward a coworker.
Individualized Assessment
A documented evaluation of client needs, safety, and program suitability.
Professional Communication
Respectful, inclusive language affirming all sexual orientations and gender identities, such as using requested pronouns and gender-neutral greetings.
Policy Statement
- All classification and placement decisions for clients must be based on individualized assessments.
- All staff and clients are entitled to an environment free from sex and gender-based abuse, discrimination, and harassment.
- All employees must complete annual training on professional communication and non-discrimination.
Individualized Assessment Procedures (Clients)
- Document clinical needs, safety risks, and program suitability.
- Review by a licensed clinician and approve placement.
- Store the assessment securely per HIPAA standards.
Prevention and Reporting Procedures
Prevention
- Mandatory annual training for all employees.
- Posted anti-discrimination notices in all facilities.
- Supervisory audits of compliance.
Reporting
- Immediate verbal report to a supervisor or HR.
- Written report within 24 hours using the Incident Form.
- HR review within 48 hours.
- Escalation to the Utah Office of Licensing for severe cases.
Non-Retaliation. Retaliation against any person who reports discrimination or harassment is strictly prohibited.
Professional Communication Training
Curriculum: Inclusive language, pronoun usage, cultural competency, and role-play scenarios for client and staff interactions.
Frequency: Annual.
Evaluation: Post-training quiz and supervisor observation.
Examples of inclusive language:
- Use “they/them” pronouns when requested.
- Avoid gendered greetings (for example, use “Hello everyone” instead of “Ladies and gentlemen”).
Enforcement and Corrective Action
For staff violations. Progressive steps apply: verbal warning, written warning, suspension, and termination.
For client incidents. Clinical review, followed by a behavior intervention plan, and possible discharge if a safety risk persists. Severe cases are reported to the Utah Office of Licensing.
Monitoring and Compliance
- Quarterly audits of placement decisions and incident reports.
- Policy compliance reviewed within 30 days of hire, with annual review and updates thereafter.
References
- Utah Code 26B-2-109
- BACB Ethics Code
- HIPAA Privacy Rule
- Utah Office of Licensing Guidelines