---
title: "Sexual Misconduct Allegations: Liability, Ethics, and Professionalism"
description: he risk reduction strategies in this article can help physicians and other members of the healthcare team avoid wrongful accusations, and quickly resolve legal or disciplinary actions associated with sexual misconduct allegations.
image: https://files.norcal-group.com/hubfs/Email/Claims_Rx/2022/September%20Claims%20Rx/M5565%20September%202022%20ClaimsRx%20Cover.jpg
---

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# [***CLAIMS Rx*** DIRECTORY](https://www.norcal-group.com/claimsrx)

## RISK MANAGEMENT PUBLICATION

# Sexual Misconduct Allegations: Liability, Ethics, and Professionalism

September 2022

A key to reducing the risk of sexual misconduct lawsuits is always placing a patient's welfare above self-interest. Every person who provides healthcare has a duty to refrain from sexual misconduct — that is a given. But patient misunderstandings of procedural touch and retaliation following failed relationships also results in sexual misconduct claims. The risk reduction strategies in this article can help physicians and other members of the healthcare team avoid wrongful accusations, and quickly resolve legal or disciplinary actions associated with sexual misconduct allegations.

| - **CASE ONE** Medical Treatment of a Former Intimate Partner - **CASE ONE** Procedural Touch Misunderstandings | - **CASE THREE** Incidental Touching of a Patient’s Breasts - **CASE FOUR** Palpation of External Genitalia in an Adolescent Patient |
| --- | --- |

**Related Topics:** [Vicarious Liability](https://www.norcal-group.com/claimsrx/tag/vicarious-liability), [Ethics](https://www.norcal-group.com/claimsrx/tag/ethics), [Chaperones](https://www.norcal-group.com/claimsrx/tag/chaperones), [Communication](https://www.norcal-group.com/claimsrx/tag/communication), [Physician-Patient Relationship](https://www.norcal-group.com/claimsrx/tag/physician-patient-relationship)

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