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In Ontario, there is a zero-tolerance standard for patient sexual abuse by health care providers.
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Patient sexual abuse is defined differently for healthcare providers under the RHPA than in criminal law.
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An individual is considered to be a nurse’s “patient” for a period of one year following the end of the professional nurse-patient relationship.
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In the nurse-patient relationship, nurses hold a position of power.
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While it may be hard to believe a nurse in your facility could sexually abuse patients, studies show that it can be anyone.
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The law states a person is still considered a “patient” for one year after the therapeutic nurse-patient relationship is over.
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Research shows the risk of a sexual relationship developing between a nurse and patient may be highest in settings where the nurse provides care and interacts with patients over an extended period of time.
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Myth: The one-year rule doesn’t apply if a nurse covers a colleague during break and provides patient care for 15 minutes.
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Depending on the nurse’s area of practice, clinical touching of patients may become routine for the nurse. However, it is never routine for the patient.
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Creating a safe organizational culture in health care settings is important for both patients and employees.
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A nurse’s health can affect the care they provide to patients. The Code of Conduct outlines that nurses have an obligation to maintain their health and seek help if their health affects their ability to practice safely.
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Finding a patient attractive is not a boundary violation. However, acting on feelings of attraction is not acceptable.
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This section of the toolkit is intended to inform organizations of policy development to help prevent, detect and address sexual abuse of patients by nurses.