Sexual abuse initiative
Proposing
Legislative
Changes
Council proposes changes to
RHPA’s sexual abuse provisions
C
ouncil directed that the College seek a
number of changes to the sexual abuse
provisions in our governing legislation to
better protect patients.
The most significant proposal for legislative change
is the proposal for two different definitions of sexual
misconduct. All physical sexual contact between a
physician and patient would fall within the definition of sexual abuse, and would result in revocation.
to patients that requires revocation. It would define
Sexual comments and gestures would be defined
RHPA
sexual abuse as physical sexual contact between the
as sexual impropriety, and penalties for sexual
Provisions
physician and a patient. Comments and gestures
impropriety would be at the discretion of the
would be sexual impropriety, not sexual abuse.
Discipline Committee.
This approach means that a wider range of conduct
This approach would eliminate the list of specific
will be caught under mandatory revocation and, as
acts that trigger mandatory revocation and would treat
such, the minimum five-year period prior to a reinstateall physical sexual contact between a doctor and a pament application may not be appropriate in all cases.
tient as a fundamental breach of a physician’s obligation
Harm and
Breach of Trust
Prevention
Physician
Responsibility:
Individual and
Collective
Respect,
Fairness and
Transparency
Public
Protection
Public
Confidence
RHPA Provisions
photo: masterfile
Processess & Practices
Patient Support & Access
Physician & Learner Education
Patient Support & Access
Committee & Staff Training
Issue 2, 2015 Dialogue
21