When seeking medical treatment, patients expect their healthcare providers to help them recover and to treat them with dignity. Unfortunately, there may be a power imbalance that could leave patients vulnerable to abuse by their healthcare professionals.
If a healthcare professional abuses their position and sexually harasses a patient, it may be a form of medical malpractice. This can have a profound mental and physical impact on patients.
Behaviors that could be medical malpractice
Sexual misconduct by a healthcare professional goes beyond just physical acts. These could be vulgar, unethical behaviors or expressions that shame and intimidate a patient.
Some examples include:
- Making unwelcome sexual advances
- Examining or touching a patient’s body without informed consent and justification
- Making inappropriate comments about a patient, such as on their appearance or their sexual history and orientation
- Asking non-clinically relevant questions about a patient’s sexual history and preferences
- Watching a patient dress or undress
- Treating them differently based on their biological sex
These unethical actions can have lasting effects on patients. However, it is possible to find justice if a healthcare professional violates a patient’s rights.
Abusive professionals can be held accountable
If you believe your healthcare provider committed medical malpractice through sexual misconduct, one option is to file a complaint with Oregon’s medical board.
The board could launch an investigation. Depending on the findings, it may even revoke their professional license.
Sexual harassment by healthcare professionals can be devastating, but there are ways you can advocate for yourself. With the right guidance, you could also seek compensation.