Review of Boundary Violations in Rhode Island, 2012-2018

Boundary violations are serious occurrences that result in a breach of the physician-patient relationship. Boundary violations are regulated by the Rhode Island Board of Medical Licensure and Discipline (Board). A review of all disciplinary actions from 2012 through 2018 involving physicians found boundary violations relating to sexual misconduct the most common boundary violations. All disciplinary actions that pertained to boundary violations were isolated, and trends regarding gender, medical specialty, and outcome of action were assessed. Sexual boundary violations (n=15) represented 94% of all boundary violations during this time period. Psychiatrists (31.3%), internists (25%) and family medicine physicians (18.8%) were the most common specialties of those who had boundary issues. Loss of license occurred for all physicians who had sexual intercourse with a patient. Reinstatement of license was possible for some physicians after a comprehensive forensic psychiatry evaluation. Physicians are reminded of the ethical obligations we have to our patients and the profession and to maintain a professional relationship with their patients at all times. This type of professional misconduct is preventable and avoids injury to patients and to the medical profession. [Full article available at http://rimed.org/rimedicaljournal-2019-03.asp].