Sexual misconduct by health care providers

1. Just as in society in general, health care providers can engage in compulsive sexual behaviors that jeopardize their health, careers, and relationships, both personal and professional. 2. Sex addicts not only deny and rationalize their acts but also resist accepting any feedback about their sexually inappropriate behaviors. 3. To protect patients from sexual misconduct, health care providers who exhibit sexually inappropriate behaviors must be confronted, and consistent limits must be set, including terminating patient contact, if necessary. 4. Treatment for sexually compulsive behaviors is multifaceted, and signs that a person is cooperating with treatment are ceasing the compulsive behaviors, experiencing feelings of remorse, expressing regret, accepting personal responsibility, and abiding by guidelines for reinstatement.