What is the policy on sexual relationships with current patients?

• A. They are allowed if the patient consents.
• B. Sexual relationships with current patients are prohibited; boundary violations can lead to disciplinary action and civil liability; maintain professional boundaries at all times.
• C. They are allowed after patient discharge.
• D. They are allowed if the physician is married.

Answer: (B)

Sexual relationships with current patients violate professional boundaries because the clinician–patient relationship carries an inherent power imbalance and vulnerability that undermines true consent. Even if a patient seems to agree, the dynamic makes exploitation or harm more likely, and objectivity and trust in care cannot be maintained. Because of this, such relationships are prohibited, and boundary violations can lead to disciplinary action and civil liability; maintaining professional boundaries at all times is essential. The other options miss the fundamental point: consent does not make a prohibited dynamic acceptable, relationships with patients who have already been discharged involve different considerations but do not justify pursuing a sexual relationship with someone you are currently treating, and personal marital status does not override professional ethics or legal standards.