PDFWAC 246-919-640

Abuse.

(1) A physician commits unprofessional conduct if the physician abuses a patient. A physician abuses a patient when he or she:
(a) Makes statements regarding the patient's body, appearance, sexual history, or sexual orientation that have no legitimate medical or therapeutic purpose;
(b) Removes a patient's clothing or gown without consent;
(c) Fails to treat an unconscious or deceased patient's body or property respectfully; or
(d) Engages in any conduct, whether verbal or physical, which unreasonably demeans, humiliates, embarrasses, threatens, or harms a patient.
(2) A violation of any provision of this rule shall constitute grounds for disciplinary action.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.130.180, 18.71.017, and 18.71A.020. WSR 06-03-028, § 246-919-640, filed 1/9/06, effective 2/9/06.]