Seventy percent of doctors in our survey believe that having a romantic relationship with a patients family members is unethical. Thats the same percentage of doctors who say its never appropriate to have a relationship with a patient. Still, 19% say a liaison may be fine, depending on the circumstances.

Is it ethical to treat family members?

According to the ethical guidelines of the American Medical Association (AMA), physicians “generally should not treat themselves or members of their immediate families.”1 The American College of Physicians (ACP) stated that physicians should “usually not enter into the dual relationship of physician-family member or

Is it unethical to date a patient?

The American Medical Associations (AMAs) Code of Ethics states: Sexual contact that occurs concurrent with the patient-physician relationship constitutes sexual misconduct. It is unethical for a physician to become sexually involved with a current patient even if the patient initiates or consents to the contact.

Can nurses treat family members?

Although there is nothing illegal about nurses treating family members, the practice is highly unadvisable.

Can you treat family members as a doctor?

When the patient is an immediate family member, the physicians personal feelings may unduly influence his or her professional medical judgment. In general, physicians should not treat themselves or members of their own families.