decisionhealth Newsletters, Part B News - 2019 Issue 6 (June)
Heed employee charges of patient harassment — but be careful about banning the patient
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Article Overview
This article addresses workplace policy and legal risk for physician practices handling sexual harassment allegations involving patients. It covers reporting procedures, employer responsibilities under employment law, the distinction between harassment and assault, patient dismissal concerns, privacy and liability considerations, and when legal counsel may be needed. It is relevant to practice managers, physicians, HR staff, and compliance professionals responsible for staff safety and patient relations.
Why This Topic Matters
Health care practices may face both employee safety issues and legal exposure when patient conduct crosses workplace boundaries. Understanding the general framework described here can help organizations respond consistently, protect staff, and avoid premature actions that create additional risk.
Article Sections
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Practice management
Overview of the workplace and compliance issue facing medical practices when patients behave inappropriately toward staff. Introduces the need for policies, training, and response planning.
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Letter of the law
Discussion of the general legal framework governing harassment claims and employer obligations. Covers broad concepts from employment law and related enforcement standards.
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Take it seriously
Focus on prevention and internal procedures, including staff education, reporting expectations, and patient-facing policy awareness. Also discusses the importance of prompt and appropriate follow-through.
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Don’t dump the patient – yet
Explores the tension between protecting employees and continuing patient care. Addresses general options practices may consider before ending the relationship and the risk of related legal claims.
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If the claimant sues
Covers the next steps if the matter escalates into outside legal or criminal claims. Discusses investigation, attorney involvement, and privacy-related concerns at a high level.
What You Will Learn
- How physician practices can prepare for patient-on-employee harassment complaints
- What broad legal concepts shape employer responsibility in these situations
- Why policies, reporting channels, and staff training matter
- What general factors practices may weigh before dismissing a patient
- When investigations and legal counsel become important
Who Should Read This
- Physician practices
- Practice managers
- Office staff
- Human resources professionals
- Compliance teams
- Health care administrators
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