SEXUAL MISCONDUCT IN THE PROFESSIONS: HOW HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS GET IN TROUBLE – OR DON’T

This webinar covers the following objectives regarding an overview of sexual
misconduct in the professions:

• Identify the difference between law, ethics, and morals, and the defense of true love
• Examine the basics of the professional power dynamic between the health care
  professional and the patient
• Provide examples of state laws governing the current doctor-patient relationship
• Review examples of state laws governing applicable employer-employee, and
  supervisor-supervisee relationships
• Analyze a recent court case distinguishing how the laws apply to a current client vs. a former client consensual relationship
• Discuss whether criminal penalties are the answer
• Detail a state licensure board case revoking the license of a health care professional for a consensual relationship with a current patient of record, and;
• Go over basic tips and techniques to defend yourself from liability

This advanced webinar is an informative and detailed trip into the world of sexual
misconduct in the professions, which are uniquely at risk for sexual misconduct to occur. This continuing education provides an overview of sexual misconduct in the professions that apply to a wide range of health care professionals.

The sanctity of the “doctor-patient relationship” thus entails an inherent imbalance of power that exists between the health care professional and his or her client.

Starting with the difference between law and ethics or morals, matters of the heart will be examined in the light of the law. Being a professional means having the patient’s best interests in mind at all times. Is falling in love ever a defense to an ethical violation?

Examples of state law governing the professional relationship between the doctor and
patient will be provided along with state law examples of sexual harassment that applies to a very broad category of persons, not just clients and patients.

In the health care world of professional practice, the licensed professional must adhere to the rules so as to avoid liability and must be able to defend himself or herself from false claims of sexual advances.

This advanced webinar summarizes a recent court case and another licensure board
revocation disciplinary action. How did the practitioners get in so much trouble from a consensual relationship?

Next, we ask whether criminal penalties to such illicit doctor-patient relationships are the answer (they aren’t – find out why). Finally, you will learn basic tips and techniques to avoid liability and to maintain defensible best practices as a licensed professional and health care practitioner.