ACOG Committee Opinion No. 373: Sexual misconduct.

Abstract

The physician-patient relationship is damaged when there is either confusion regarding professional roles and behavior, or clear lack of integrity that allows sexual exploitation and harm. Sexual contact or a romantic relationship between a physician and a current patient is always unethical, and sexual contact or a romantic relationship between a physician and a former patient also may be unethical. The request by either a patient or a physician to have a chaperone present during a physical examination should always be accommodated regardless of the patient's sex. If a chaperone is present during a physical examination, the physician should provide a separate opportunity for private conversation. Physicians aware of instances of sexual misconduct have an obligation to report such situations to appropriate authorities.