Practices that can help to avoid sexual abuse of a child by a healthcare provider:
(1) Professional training should include instruction in how to perform a pelvic examination properly and in what behaviors are appropriate or inappropriate.
(2) Develop guidelines for genital and pelvic examinations to include when they are indicated.
(3) Have a chaperone available for all examinations.
(4) Maintain an environment where the modesty of the child is respected.
(5) Closely supervise the care of children who are vulnerable or disabled.
(6) Have a mechanism for reporting concerns about inappropriate behavior.
(7) Have an appropriate mechanism to confidentially investigate a complaint.
(8) Develop a protocol for handling a case if one should occur, including care of the patient and notification of authorities.
Additional concerns:
(1) If a provider has been implicated in the sexual abuse of a patient, then the institution should not try to transfer the provider to another facility in order to avoid an investigation.
(2) If a provider has been implicated in the sexual abuse of a patient and if the provider goes to another facility, then the institution should notify the new facility of the issues involved.
(3) New employees and providers should be investigated prior to arrival.
