Boundaries in the Practitioner-Patient Relationship
The Boundaries in the Practitioner-Patient Relationship guideline document considers the question of when it is appropriate to enter into a practitioner-patient relationship and sets out the ethical obligation of registrants to ensure the treatment is appropriate.
The document – which has been endorsed by both the BCDA and the College – provides guidance to registrants to help recognize conflicts and gives advice on how to resolve these conflicts.
Read the joint letter of support (PDF).
Documentation
Boundaries in the Practitioner-Patient Relationship Guideline
We recognize that this is a complex and nuanced topic. To help registrants better understand how the guideline applies to them, we have produced a video with President Tobias and a Q&A document will be published soon.
Key Points
There are three elements that must be in place before providing treatment to any patient:
- objectivity of care by the practitioner,
- full, free and informed patient consent, and
- patient autonomy.
These principles are enshrined in CDSBC’s Code of Ethics. They may be compromised when treating anyone with whom there is such a close personal relationship as to create a conflict of interest.
Practitioners should exercise care and judgment in:
- recognizing potential conflicts resulting from close personal relationships,
- taking appropriate steps to resolve those conflicts when they arise, and
- declining to provide treatment if a conflict cannot be effectively resolved.
