Standard 1.12: Romantic and sexual relationships
RBTs do not have romantic or sexual relationships with current clients, stakeholders or supervisors. The code also sets waiting periods for former clients and stakeholders (at least two years), for former supervisors (until the end of the professional relationship is documented) and for being supervised by a former partner (at least six months).
What it means in practice
Current relationships: no romantic or sexual relationship with a current client, a current stakeholder (for example a parent, caregiver or other relative of the client) or a current supervisor. There are no exceptions.
Former clients and stakeholders: not for "a minimum of two years" from the date the professional relationship ended. The code calls two years "a minimum", not a point after which any relationship is automatically appropriate.
Former supervisors: not until both of you can document that the professional relationship has ended, which the code defines as completion of all professional duties.
Past partners as supervisors: you may not receive supervision from someone you had a romantic or sexual relationship with until at least six months after that relationship ended. If someone like this is assigned to you, raise it with your organization immediately, outside of that person if needed.
Scenarios
| Situation | What to do |
|---|---|
| The single parent of one of your current clients asks you out to dinner. | Decline. A romantic relationship with a current stakeholder is prohibited. Tell your supervisor about the invitation and document it, since it also risks a multiple relationship. |
| A former client's father asks you on a date. Services with the family ended 14 months ago. | Decline. The code requires at least two years from the date the professional relationship ended before any romantic relationship with a former stakeholder. |
| You broke up with a coworker four months ago, and that coworker has just earned their BCBA and is about to be assigned as your supervisor. | Tell your manager or human resources right away and ask for a different supervisor. You can't receive supervision from a former partner until at least six months after the relationship ended. Document the request. |
| You are attracted to your current supervisor, and the feeling seems mutual. | Nothing can happen while they supervise you. If you later change supervisors, a relationship is still off-limits until you can both document that all professional duties between you are complete. |
Practice questions
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Question 1Services with a client ended eight months ago. The client's single parent asks the RBT out on a date. What does the RBT Ethics Code require?
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A: Decline; at least two years must pass after services end. RBTs do not have romantic or sexual relationships with former clients or stakeholders, such as a client's parent, for at least two years from the date the professional relationship ended.
- B: Ending services does not end the restriction; the code sets a minimum waiting period.
- C: Six months is the rule for receiving supervision from a former partner, not for former clients or stakeholders.
- D: A supervisor cannot waive the two-year minimum in the code.
Task F.7 · RBT Ethics Code 1.12
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Question 2An RBT's romantic relationship with a BCBA ended four months ago. At the RBT's new job, that BCBA is assigned as their RBT Supervisor. What should the RBT do?
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D: Decline their supervision until six months have passed. RBTs do not receive supervision from someone they had a romantic or sexual relationship with until at least six months after it ended. The RBT should raise this so another supervisor can be assigned.
- A: The code sets a waiting period even after the relationship ends.
- B: Good intentions do not replace the waiting period in the code.
- C: Two years is the rule for former clients and stakeholders; for supervision it is six months.
Task F.7 · RBT Ethics Code 1.12
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Question 3Which statement about romantic relationships matches the RBT Ethics Code?
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C: An RBT may not date a current supervisor. The code prohibits romantic or sexual relationships with current clients, stakeholders and supervisors. With former supervisors, the parties must be able to document that all professional duties have ended.
- A: The minimum for former clients and stakeholders is two years, not six months.
- B: Romantic relationships with current stakeholders are prohibited regardless of the client's age.
- D: The code ties this to documenting that the professional relationship has ended, not to one year.
Task F.7 · RBT Ethics Code 1.12
Answer every question to see your score.
Where it sits in the code
Standard 1.12 is in section 1, General Responsibilities, of the RBT Ethics Code (2.0). On the exam it relates to task F.7 Multiple relationships. Read the official text for the exact wording.
Related standards: 1.10 Multiple relationships, 1.11 Gifts, 1.04 Never the employer of your supervisor.