Define "date a patient"

[Jochi1543]

I just had a discussion with a fellow pre-med keener on MSN regarding dating patients, and he brought up the following scenario. You're an emergency room physician. A nice-looking girl comes in for something fairly minor, you treat her. The next day you see her at a bar/whatever. She comes over and introduces herself. Would it be ethical/legal to date her? You are not her family physician, she will likely never be treated by you again. She also initiated the non-business relationship.

 

On a relevant note. You're a family physician and you become interested in a patient. You obviously can't date her. But what if you transfer her to another FP who takes over her healthcare? Is this ethical and legal now that you are no longer her health care provider?

[Satsuma]

On a relevant note. You're a family physician and you become interested in a patient. You obviously can't date her. But what if you transfer her to another FP who takes over her healthcare? Is this ethical and legal now that you are no longer her health care provider?

 

This was covered in one of our legal issues classes last year. There is a waiting period, of I don`t remember how long, before it is ok. You are advised to contact your college before proceeding and opening yourself up to risk. And there ARE risks to dating patients/ex-patients....break ups can be nasty!

 

If you are a psychiatrist however, dating is off-limits to your patients for life. No matter how long it's been since you've treated them.

[White-Tiger]

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[0T6]

For emerg physicians, it's okay

For other docs - 1 year after stopping treatment

For psychiatric treatment - never

(don't ask why I know this so well )

 

details..

http://www.cpso.on.ca/Policies/dating.htm