Guest guest Posted April 13, 2011 Report Share Posted April 13, 2011 Your employee has brought up a very important concern. Having served on the Oregon Physical Therapist Licensing Board I can tell you that you are taking a great risk if you have a PT in a clinic alone. The situation described below is a perfect example. What if the patient requires a sensitive pelvic mobilization as a part of their treatment? You have no one in the room to witness the treatment in order to protect both the patient and the therapist from any accusations of impropriety. These things do get reported to the Licensing Boards and they must conduct an investigation. There are reported cases where a PT rebuffed a patient's advances and the patient filed a complaint against the therapist in retaliation. PT's have lost their licenses in cases like this. It can get costly for the PT if they have to get an attorney. It is also a huge safety concern....what if your PT is attacked or harassed by the patient? Would you leave a female PT in a clinic alone? I would think that an aide or a front desk staff member could do some meaningful work in the back part of the clinic. From: PTManager [mailto:PTManager ] On Behalf Of abpt25 Sent: Wednesday, April 13, 2011 4:32 PM To: PTManager Subject: Sexual Harassment Dear Group, We have a therapist that works late and occasionally treats late patients with no other staff in the facility. He brought up the topic of having someone else there in case a female patient accuses him of sexual harassment. His argument is that it would basically be his word against theirs. Any suggestion regarding this? Would having someone sitting at the front desk really make a difference? Any suggestions would be appreciated. Balan Solex Physical Therapy Naples, FL ABalan@...<mailto:ABalan%40solexcenters.com> ________________________________ This message is intended for the sole use of the addressee, and may contain information that is privileged, confidential and exempt from disclosure under applicable law. If you are not the addressee you are hereby notified that you may not use, copy, disclose, or distribute to anyone the message or any information contained in the message. If you have received this message in error, please immediately advise the sender by reply email and delete this message. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 13, 2011 Report Share Posted April 13, 2011 I am located in rehab hospital based OP therapy clinic. We have a policy in place where two employees (including the therapist) must be present anytime a patient is receiving treatment. Obviously, the second person is not typically present in the examination/treatment room, so any accusation by the patient of inappropriate language or touch by the therapist could not be verified by a witness. However, if the patient reports their complaint while there, then it is much easier to ask questions and gather whatever information you can while it is still fresh. Then contact your Risk Management personnel or attorney to report this patient complaint ASAP. Also, consider the benefit of two employees being present should a patient experience a medical event. The therapist’s response that it is his word against theirs is naïve at best. I personally know of three therapists (with unquestionable integrity, IMHO) that were accused of inappropriate touch of a female and put through the painful process of a hearing and rulings. Of course, this information is now attached to their license and is open to the public. I would strongly urge you and any other clinic to adopt a policy of two employees present while a patient is there for treatment. Now there is a downside to this policy. That being if the second person is late for work or calls in sick, we cannot see that patient sitting there waiting to be seen until the second person arrives. This happens rarely, but it does happen. Or, the last patient of the day arrives really late for their appointment and treatment time will take the second staff member past their quitting time, you look at possibly paying some overtime if you wish to go ahead and treat the patient. Bob Lueke, PT Lincoln, NE Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 13, 2011 Report Share Posted April 13, 2011 - Very good topic. In this day and age, I'd strongly recommend that a staff person of the opposite sex be present, not just at the front desk, but in the treatment room. You or your therapist don't even have to be wrong: just an allegation or a raised eyebrow can ruin a reputation. You've worked too hard to risk it all. Hope that helps . Dick Hillyer Dr. Hillyer, DPT,MBA,MSM Hillyer Consulting 700 El Dorado Pkwy W. Cape Coral, FL 33914 Mobile _____ From: PTManager [mailto:PTManager ] On Behalf Of abpt25 Sent: Wednesday, April 13, 2011 7:32 PM To: PTManager Subject: Sexual Harassment Dear Group, We have a therapist that works late and occasionally treats late patients with no other staff in the facility. He brought up the topic of having someone else there in case a female patient accuses him of sexual harassment. His argument is that it would basically be his word against theirs. Any suggestion regarding this? Would having someone sitting at the front desk really make a difference? Any suggestions would be appreciated. Balan Solex Physical Therapy Naples, FL ABalan@... <mailto:ABalan%40solexcenters.com> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 14, 2011 Report Share Posted April 14, 2011 Absolutely, NO therapist should ever be in a clinic by his or herself treating patients. Ron Barbato PT Corporate Director, Rehabilitation Services Program Director, Cancer Support Services ________________________________ From: PTManager on behalf of abpt25 Sent: Wed 4/13/2011 7:31 PM To: PTManager Subject: Sexual Harassment Dear Group, We have a therapist that works late and occasionally treats late patients with no other staff in the facility. He brought up the topic of having someone else there in case a female patient accuses him of sexual harassment. His argument is that it would basically be his word against theirs. Any suggestion regarding this? Would having someone sitting at the front desk really make a difference? Any suggestions would be appreciated. Balan Solex Physical Therapy Naples, FL ABalan@... ------------------------------------ In ALL messages to PTManager you must identify yourself, your discipline and your location or else your message will not be approved to send to the full group. Physician Self Referal/Referral for Profit {POPTS} is a serious threat to our professions. PTManager is not available to support POPTS-model practices. The description of PTManager group includes the following: " PTManager believes in and supports Therapist-owned Therapy Practices ONLY " Messages relating to " how to set up a POPTS " will not be approved PTManager encourages participation in your professional association. Join APTA, AOTA or ASHA and participate now! Follow Kovacek, PT on Facebook or Twitter. PTManager blog: http://ptmanager.posterous.com/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 14, 2011 Report Share Posted April 14, 2011 Absolutely, NO therapist should ever be in a clinic by his or herself treating patients. Ron Barbato PT Corporate Director, Rehabilitation Services Program Director, Cancer Support Services ________________________________ From: PTManager on behalf of abpt25 Sent: Wed 4/13/2011 7:31 PM To: PTManager Subject: Sexual Harassment Dear Group, We have a therapist that works late and occasionally treats late patients with no other staff in the facility. He brought up the topic of having someone else there in case a female patient accuses him of sexual harassment. His argument is that it would basically be his word against theirs. Any suggestion regarding this? Would having someone sitting at the front desk really make a difference? Any suggestions would be appreciated. Balan Solex Physical Therapy Naples, FL ABalan@... ------------------------------------ In ALL messages to PTManager you must identify yourself, your discipline and your location or else your message will not be approved to send to the full group. Physician Self Referal/Referral for Profit {POPTS} is a serious threat to our professions. PTManager is not available to support POPTS-model practices. The description of PTManager group includes the following: " PTManager believes in and supports Therapist-owned Therapy Practices ONLY " Messages relating to " how to set up a POPTS " will not be approved PTManager encourages participation in your professional association. Join APTA, AOTA or ASHA and participate now! Follow Kovacek, PT on Facebook or Twitter. PTManager blog: http://ptmanager.posterous.com/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 14, 2011 Report Share Posted April 14, 2011 Absolutely, NO therapist should ever be in a clinic by his or herself treating patients. Ron Barbato PT Corporate Director, Rehabilitation Services Program Director, Cancer Support Services ________________________________ From: PTManager on behalf of abpt25 Sent: Wed 4/13/2011 7:31 PM To: PTManager Subject: Sexual Harassment Dear Group, We have a therapist that works late and occasionally treats late patients with no other staff in the facility. He brought up the topic of having someone else there in case a female patient accuses him of sexual harassment. His argument is that it would basically be his word against theirs. Any suggestion regarding this? Would having someone sitting at the front desk really make a difference? Any suggestions would be appreciated. Balan Solex Physical Therapy Naples, FL ABalan@... ------------------------------------ In ALL messages to PTManager you must identify yourself, your discipline and your location or else your message will not be approved to send to the full group. Physician Self Referal/Referral for Profit {POPTS} is a serious threat to our professions. PTManager is not available to support POPTS-model practices. The description of PTManager group includes the following: " PTManager believes in and supports Therapist-owned Therapy Practices ONLY " Messages relating to " how to set up a POPTS " will not be approved PTManager encourages participation in your professional association. Join APTA, AOTA or ASHA and participate now! Follow Kovacek, PT on Facebook or Twitter. PTManager blog: http://ptmanager.posterous.com/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 14, 2011 Report Share Posted April 14, 2011 I absolutely concur with Mr. Hillyer. We never see patients with only 1 staff member present. There should always be a 2nd person present for safety and to prevent the situation outlined below. Have a terrific day! Chad ________________________________ From: PTManager [mailto:PTManager ] On Behalf Of Dick Hillyer Sent: Wednesday, April 13, 2011 7:12 PM To: PTManager Subject: RE: Sexual Harassment - Very good topic. In this day and age, I'd strongly recommend that a staff person of the opposite sex be present, not just at the front desk, but in the treatment room. You or your therapist don't even have to be wrong: just an allegation or a raised eyebrow can ruin a reputation. You've worked too hard to risk it all. Hope that helps . Dick Hillyer Dr. Hillyer, DPT,MBA,MSM Hillyer Consulting 700 El Dorado Pkwy W. Cape Coral, FL 33914 Mobile _____ From: PTManager <mailto:PTManager%40yahoogroups.com> [mailto:PTManager <mailto:PTManager%40yahoogroups.com> ] On Behalf Of abpt25 Sent: Wednesday, April 13, 2011 7:32 PM To: PTManager <mailto:PTManager%40yahoogroups.com> Subject: Sexual Harassment Dear Group, We have a therapist that works late and occasionally treats late patients with no other staff in the facility. He brought up the topic of having someone else there in case a female patient accuses him of sexual harassment. His argument is that it would basically be his word against theirs. Any suggestion regarding this? Would having someone sitting at the front desk really make a difference? Any suggestions would be appreciated. Balan Solex Physical Therapy Naples, FL ABalan@... <mailto:ABalan%40solexcenters.com> <mailto:ABalan%40solexcenters.com> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 14, 2011 Report Share Posted April 14, 2011 I absolutely concur with Mr. Hillyer. We never see patients with only 1 staff member present. There should always be a 2nd person present for safety and to prevent the situation outlined below. Have a terrific day! Chad ________________________________ From: PTManager [mailto:PTManager ] On Behalf Of Dick Hillyer Sent: Wednesday, April 13, 2011 7:12 PM To: PTManager Subject: RE: Sexual Harassment - Very good topic. In this day and age, I'd strongly recommend that a staff person of the opposite sex be present, not just at the front desk, but in the treatment room. You or your therapist don't even have to be wrong: just an allegation or a raised eyebrow can ruin a reputation. You've worked too hard to risk it all. Hope that helps . Dick Hillyer Dr. Hillyer, DPT,MBA,MSM Hillyer Consulting 700 El Dorado Pkwy W. Cape Coral, FL 33914 Mobile _____ From: PTManager <mailto:PTManager%40yahoogroups.com> [mailto:PTManager <mailto:PTManager%40yahoogroups.com> ] On Behalf Of abpt25 Sent: Wednesday, April 13, 2011 7:32 PM To: PTManager <mailto:PTManager%40yahoogroups.com> Subject: Sexual Harassment Dear Group, We have a therapist that works late and occasionally treats late patients with no other staff in the facility. He brought up the topic of having someone else there in case a female patient accuses him of sexual harassment. His argument is that it would basically be his word against theirs. Any suggestion regarding this? Would having someone sitting at the front desk really make a difference? Any suggestions would be appreciated. Balan Solex Physical Therapy Naples, FL ABalan@... <mailto:ABalan%40solexcenters.com> <mailto:ABalan%40solexcenters.com> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 14, 2011 Report Share Posted April 14, 2011 I absolutely concur with Mr. Hillyer. We never see patients with only 1 staff member present. There should always be a 2nd person present for safety and to prevent the situation outlined below. Have a terrific day! Chad ________________________________ From: PTManager [mailto:PTManager ] On Behalf Of Dick Hillyer Sent: Wednesday, April 13, 2011 7:12 PM To: PTManager Subject: RE: Sexual Harassment - Very good topic. In this day and age, I'd strongly recommend that a staff person of the opposite sex be present, not just at the front desk, but in the treatment room. You or your therapist don't even have to be wrong: just an allegation or a raised eyebrow can ruin a reputation. You've worked too hard to risk it all. Hope that helps . Dick Hillyer Dr. Hillyer, DPT,MBA,MSM Hillyer Consulting 700 El Dorado Pkwy W. Cape Coral, FL 33914 Mobile _____ From: PTManager <mailto:PTManager%40yahoogroups.com> [mailto:PTManager <mailto:PTManager%40yahoogroups.com> ] On Behalf Of abpt25 Sent: Wednesday, April 13, 2011 7:32 PM To: PTManager <mailto:PTManager%40yahoogroups.com> Subject: Sexual Harassment Dear Group, We have a therapist that works late and occasionally treats late patients with no other staff in the facility. He brought up the topic of having someone else there in case a female patient accuses him of sexual harassment. His argument is that it would basically be his word against theirs. Any suggestion regarding this? Would having someone sitting at the front desk really make a difference? Any suggestions would be appreciated. Balan Solex Physical Therapy Naples, FL ABalan@... <mailto:ABalan%40solexcenters.com> <mailto:ABalan%40solexcenters.com> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 14, 2011 Report Share Posted April 14, 2011 I wonder what happens in home health when there is usually only the therapist and the patient. Does every therapist bring and aide with them to observe? I have treated with only myself and the patient in that setting. It seems the same liability would hold true there as well. Kunkel PT, PhD, MLD-CDT On Apr 14, 2011, at 9:37 AM, " Chad Yoakam " wrote: > I absolutely concur with Mr. Hillyer. We never see patients with only 1 > staff member present. There should always be a 2nd person present for > safety and to prevent the situation outlined below. > > Have a terrific day! > > Chad > > ________________________________ > > From: PTManager [mailto:PTManager ] On > Behalf Of Dick Hillyer > Sent: Wednesday, April 13, 2011 7:12 PM > To: PTManager > Subject: RE: Sexual Harassment > > > > > - > > Very good topic. In this day and age, I'd strongly recommend that a > staff > person of the opposite sex be present, not just at the front desk, but > in > the treatment room. You or your therapist don't even have to be wrong: > just > an allegation or a raised eyebrow can ruin a reputation. You've worked > too > hard to risk it all. > > Hope that helps . > > Dick Hillyer > > > Dr. Hillyer, DPT,MBA,MSM > Hillyer Consulting > 700 El Dorado Pkwy W. > Cape Coral, FL 33914 > > Mobile > > > _____ > > From: PTManager <mailto:PTManager%40yahoogroups.com> > [mailto:PTManager <mailto:PTManager%40yahoogroups.com> ] > On Behalf > Of abpt25 > Sent: Wednesday, April 13, 2011 7:32 PM > To: PTManager <mailto:PTManager%40yahoogroups.com> > Subject: Sexual Harassment > > Dear Group, > > We have a therapist that works late and occasionally treats late > patients > with no other staff in the facility. He brought up the topic of having > someone else there in case a female patient accuses him of sexual > harassment. His argument is that it would basically be his word against > theirs. > > Any suggestion regarding this? Would having someone sitting at the front > desk really make a difference? Any suggestions would be appreciated. > > Balan > Solex Physical Therapy > Naples, FL > ABalan@... <mailto:ABalan%40solexcenters.com> > <mailto:ABalan%40solexcenters.com> > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 15, 2011 Report Share Posted April 15, 2011 I absolutely agree with your therapist. To be left alone to treat patients, male or female, exposes the PT and the management to liability. In some states it is illegal. He is correct in stating it would be his word against the patient's, but more importantly, he could be completely innocent of wrongdoing and his career, and reputation would be over. People generally love gossip and, unfortunately, there are those who would just assume he did something wrong. Like it, or not, some of the things we do as PTs can be easily misconstrued and the man will always be presumed guilty--even after being proved innocent. Jordan, PT, MPT, OCS Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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