ACOG Committee Opinion No. 373: Sexual misconduct.
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.
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 409 12th Street, Washington, DC 20090, USA.
D004992:Ethics, Medical; D005260:Female; D006176:Gynecology / Q000941:ethics; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009774:Obstetrics; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations / Q000941:ethics*; D012742:Sex Offenses / Q000941:ethics*; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000941:ethics*