Professional boundaries

Doctors are responsible for maintaining appropriate professional boundaries in the doctor-patient relationship.

These boundaries are important for ensuring that the power imbalance in the doctor-patient relationship does not compromise patient-safety, the professional relationship or the care provided.

This statement outlines doctors’ responsibilities in some specific areas, such as accepting gifts from patients.

Current statement

  • Professional boundaries

    Statement

    1 November 2018 (PDF, 59 KB)

    Doctors are responsible for maintaining appropriate professional boundaries in the doctor-patient relationship. These boundaries are important for ensuring that the power imbalance in the doctor-patient relationship does not compromise patient-safety, the professional relationship or the care provided. This statement outlines doctors’ responsibilities in some specific areas, such as accepting gifts from patients.