Sexual Misconduct and Boundary Violations

In a 2021 FSBPT poll, 63 percent of regulators reported an increase in sexual misconduct complaints. FSBPT continues to address this issue by holding educational sessions, developing regulatory resources, and fostering discussion among our members.

FSBPT Sexual Misconduct & Boundaries Committee

Resources

Board Resource Page
The Sexual Misconduct and Boundaries Violation Committee created this resource list for member boards as a direct response to requests for resources in various categories such as board training, victim advocacy organizations, and remediation options for licensees.

Patient/Client Resource - For the public
This resource is designed to educate the public of what to expect in a physical therapy encounter and empower individuals to exercise their right to stop treatment at any time they become uncomfortable. Courses of action and resources are provided if individuals suspect inappropriate conduct by the PT/PTA.

Provider Resource on Sexual Misconduct
This resource for PTs and PTAs starts the conversation about sexual misconduct and provides examples of appropriate, questionable, and inappropriate actions.

Student Resource on Sexual Misconduct
This resource for PT and PTA students presents the development of a therapeutic relationship and discusses appropriate boundaries that should be maintained.

FSBPT Boundary Violations Task Force

FSBPT formed the Boundary Violation Task Force in 2020. In 2022 the Task Force became the Sexual Misconduct And Boundaries Committee. One of the task force’s goals was to identify potential barriers for reporting violations to regulatory boards. To help accomplish this, task force members reviewed jurisdictions’ websites and developed several concrete recommendations for boards to consider:

• Is the Structure of Your Website a Barrier to Complainants?
• Does Your Website Clearly Define the Confidentiality of Complaints?
• Does Your Jurisdiction Clearly Define “Patient” in Rules or Statutes?
• Does Your Jurisdiction Have Language that Suggests the Provider-Patient Relationship Continues after Discharge?
• Does Your Jurisdiction Have Educational Materials Regarding Sexual Boundary Violations?

Webinars

• Don’t Cross that Line: The Regulator’s Role in Prevention of Boundary Violations
• Exploring the Challenges of Regulation a “Hands-on” Profession in a “Hands off” Era
• Clearing the Path: Eliminating Barriers to Reporting, Investigating, and Defining Sexual Misconduct and Boundary Violations

Forum Articles

• Don’t Cross That Line! The Regulator’s Role in Prevention of Boundary Violations
  New research and shifting cultural expectations are changing the way we understand and approach boundary violations. This article is based on a 2020 Annual Meeting Webinar by Susan Paul and Leanne Loranger.
• An Overview of Trauma’s Impact on Boundary Violation Investigations
  Trauma victims have unique needs that regulators should be aware of. This article is an adaptation of a presentation by Michael Milnor and Nancy Oglesby at the 2019 FSBPT Annual Meeting.