Opinion: How health care systems can protect patients from sexual assault by providers
Health care providers have a sacrosanct relationship with patients. That unique position of trust also puts them in a position of power over their patients. Far too often — as exemplified by the recent case involving a New York doctor accused of drugging and assaulting his patients, or the former pediatrician facing more than 100 lawsuits by former patients — predators are able to exploit that power to sexually abuse patients.
But by enacting simple protocols, the institutions we trust with our health and our lives can end the pattern of enabling sexual abuse of patients. In particular, health care systems and offices should mandate that two health care professionals are in the room during sensitive exams.
