Patient relations program
A health-care professional is in a position of power over a patient, by virtue of having professional knowledge and skill that a patient must rely on for their well-being. In addition, they have access to patients’ personal health information.
Health-care professionals must always maintain professional boundaries with their patients. They are prohibited from engaging in any form of sexual abuse or sexual misconduct as defined by law in the Health Professions Act with a patient.
Do you think a health care professional may have violated a boundary or otherwise engaged in sexual misconduct or abuse?
Did a health-care professional do something to make you feel uncomfortable? Maybe he or she touched you in a way that was not medically necessary or appropriate or perhaps he or she said something sexually suggestive. If this is the case, please contact the appropriate Alberta college or association to discuss your concerns.
We recognize that coming forward with a complaint about sexual abuse or misconduct can be very difficult. If you believe your chiropractor may have crossed a sexual boundary, we urge you to contact us at 587.442.4408 or [email protected].
Complaints of a sexual nature may involve:
Privacy and respect: This could include a health-care professional not providing enough privacy while putting on a gown or getting dressed after an examination.
Inappropriate comments or gestures: This could include saying something sexually suggestive or seductive to you, commenting unnecessarily about sexual relationships or sexual orientation, making sexually insulting or offensive comments or jokes, or giving unwanted attention (like kissing).
Unnecessary or improper physical examinations: This could mean more frequent breast, genital or pelvic examinations than would be considered medically necessary, touching without your permission or explanation, or conducting a physical examination in a sexual rather than a medical way.
Sexual contact or assault: This encompasses everything from inappropriate touching to sexual assault. It also includes any sexual contact between a health care professional and patient that would otherwise be considered consensual.