Sexual Misconduct and Boundary Violations

Have you been a victim of sexual misconduct by a physical therapy provider? Contact the State Board.

FSBPT Sexual Misconduct & Boundaries Committee

Resources

Power Differential White Paper
As licensed healthcare professionals, physical therapists (PT) and physical therapist assistants (PTA) must be aware of their influence and how their inherent power may significantly impact the meaning or intent of a comment, touch, or interaction.

Communicating About Sexual Misconduct: Opportunities for Regulatory Boards — HRRI
Regulatory boards have put increased attention on preventing sexual misconduct in the profession and handling complaints appropriately when they do occur. HRRI commissioned a research project to help identify strengths and opportunities among physical therapy licensing boards in terms of communicating information regarding sexual misconduct.

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.

Videos

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

FSBPT Boundary Violations Task Force (2020-2022)

FSBPT formed the Boundary Violation Task Force in 2020. In 2022 the Task Force became the Sexual Misconduct And Boundaries Committee.

Forum Articles

• This Could NEVER Happen to Me! Protecting Yourself and Preventing Sexual Misconduct
  Learn about maintaining professional boundaries, understanding the consequences of misconduct, and discovering how you can contribute to a safer, more ethical healthcare environment. This article is based on a 2024 webinar presentation by Mira Mariano, Samantha Mohn-Johnsen, and Sherri Paru.
• Close Encounters of the Unprofessional Kind: Advancing Boundaries Education in Physical Therapy
  Regulators need to understand sexual misconduct and boundary violations in physical therapy, including power dynamics, informed consent, and cultural competency, to ensure ethical practices and patient well-being. This article is based on a 2024 Annual Education Meeting session presented by Sherri Paru, Mira Mariano, Samantha Mohn-Johnsen, and Michael Noonan.
• 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.