Sexual misconduct allegations in healthcare are on the rise, posing significant legal, financial, and reputational risks for medical providers and healthcare organizations. With evolving laws, heightened public scrutiny, and increasing litigation, it is important to understand the potential risks in this area and strategies to prevent them.
Below are additional resources to reference as you develop policies and staff education.
- Federation of State Medical Boards: Physician Sexual Misconduct Report 2020
- ACOG: Sexual Misconduct—Committee Opinion 2020
- AMA Code of Medical Ethics: Use of Chaperones
- ACHA Guidelines: Best Practices for Sensitive Exams 2019
- EEOC Enforcement Guidance: EEOC Workplace Harassment Guidance
- WHO: Preventing and Responding to Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment
The information provided herein does not, and is not intended to constitute legal, medical, or other professional advice; instead, this information is for general informational purposes only. The specifics of each state’s laws and the specifics of each circumstance may impact its accuracy and applicability, therefore, the information should not be relied upon for medical, legal, or financial decisions and you should consult an appropriate professional for specific advice that pertains to your situation.
Article originally published in Copic’s Copiscope 1Q26 newsletter.
