If a physician wants to help a patient who's in financial trouble, for instance, she could offer him free therapy instead of doling out cash. Although it is natural for internists to forge friendships with some of their patients, it is unethical for a doctor to ask for special treatment outside of the medical setting. For instance, Mr. Dunn said that a doctor who has a hot stock tip should not approach his banker-patient about securing a loan for which he would not otherwise qualify. Sexual misconduct Sexual misconduct can range from inappropriate comments to sexual relations. Consent from an adult patient is never a defense for sexual misconduct by a physician, Mr. Dunn stressed, adding that six states consider sexual relations between physicians and their patients a criminal act.
Most doctors know a colleague who has fallen in love with and perhaps even married a former patient.
When patients are distressed, Mr. Dunn said, it is generally acceptable to give a comforting pat of reassurance on the hand or shoulder. Physical contact that goes any farther, however, may be perceived as flirtatious or sexual and should be avoided. Mr. Dunn also pointed out that malpractice insurance typically does not cover sexual misconduct lawsuits. Hospitals can generally be held liable if a physician engages in sexual misconduct while working there, even if he is not considered an employee of the hospital. In some cases, spouses and parents of a patient may also be able to sue a physician who has crossed an ethical boundary.