Complaint about sexual misconduct

We recognize that coming forward with a complaint about sexual misconduct can be very difficult. You may feel vulnerable, humiliated, confused, or afraid to disclose what has happened to you.

All physicians and surgeons who are licensed to practise in British Columbia are licensees of CPSBC. We have zero tolerance when it comes to sexual contact between a licensee and a patient, even when that contact may have been consensual.

We investigate all complaints against licensees, including:

• alleged inappropriate sexual comments
• touching
• abuse

How are professional and sexual misconduct defined?

Professional misconduct

includes the following:

• sexual misconduct
• unethical conduct
• infamous conduct
• conduct unbecoming a member of the health profession

Sexual misconduct

Referred to in the CPSBC Bylaws as “professional misconduct of a sexual nature” includes: 

• sexual intercourse or other forms of physical sexual relations between a licensee and a patient
• touching, of a sexual nature, of a patient by a licensee
• behaviour or remarks of a sexual nature by a licensee towards a patient

Note: It is not considered sexual misconduct or abuse when a licensee touches an intimate part of a patient’s body for a valid medical purpose with the patient’s informed consent.

Examples

Complaints of a sexual nature may involve:

• inappropriate comments or gestures, where a licensee:  
  • makes sexually suggestive or seductive comments
  • makes unnecessary comments about sexual relationships or sexual orientation
  • makes sexually insulting or offensive comments or jokes
  • asks a patient on a date
  • gives unwanted hugs or kisses
• unnecessary or improper physical examinations, where a licensee conducts a breast, genital, or pelvic examination without a valid medical reason and the touching is interpreted by the patient as sexual
• any other sexual contact that happens between a patient and a licensee