Can a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant have a personal relationship with their patient? What if it was consensual?
Physical therapy never includes sex. It also never includes verbal sexual advances or any other kind of sexual contact or behavior. Sexual contact of any kind in the course of a physical therapy treatment is illegal and unethical. Harm may arise from the exploitation of the patient by the physical therapy provider to fulfill his/her own needs or desires, as well as from the physical therapy provider’s loss of objectivity necessary for effective physical therapy. All physical therapy providers are trained and educated to know that this kind of behavior is inappropriate and can result in license revocation. By the nature of their profession, physical therapy providers are trusted and respected, and it is normal for patients to feel attracted to someone who is attentive, kind and caring. However, a physical therapy provider who accepts or encourages these normal feelings in a sexual way, is using the trusted physical therapy relationship to take advantage of the patient.
Related Questions
- Can the periodic reevaluation requirement be satisfied by the physical therapist assistant having a conference or discussion with the physical therapist about the patients condition?
- Are the individuals providing physical therapy care required to identify themselves as a physical therapist, physical therapist assistant, and/or physical therapy aide?
- Can a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant have a personal relationship with their patient? What if it was consensual?
