Physicians, Patients, Sex and Chaperones: Rethinking Medical Regulation

Abstract

The regulation of sexual misconduct is a challenging area for medical boards. Complaints alleging sexual abuse should always sound alarm bells. They touch on deeply personal matters, the evidence is highly contested, patients are often traumatized, physicians are naturally defensive and boards know that their decisions may be contested and exposed to media scrutiny. Care, sensitivity and fairness in regulatory decision-making is essential.