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Professional boundaries in relationship with client (04HDC05983)
Download Professional boundaries in relationship with client (04HDC05983) (PDF 131Kb)
(04HDC05983, 18 May 2005)
Occupational therapist ~ Mental health ~ Depressive disorder
~ Work rehabilitation ~ Professional boundaries ~ Communication ~
Correspondence ~ Personal disclosure ~ After-hours contact ~
Documentation ~ Professional and ethical standards ~ Right
4(2)
A man diagnosed with a depressive disorder with panic and
anxiety features attended a work rehabilitation service. His key
worker, an occupational therapist, was to help him set and achieve
work and education goals. The man was uncomfortable with
face-to-face discussion, and so the occupational therapist
suggested that they communicate by email. The service manager said
that email communication between clients and staff was acceptable
only with regard to discussing a computer design program that was
being considered.
Over a period of a few months, the occupational therapist and
her client engaged in email and internet chat-room contact out of
the work setting. The correspondence was frequent and of a personal
nature, and it led to a personal relationship being established.
The occupational therapist continued to correspond with the man
even after she became aware that a personal relationship was
developing.
It was held that, by letting the relationship develop, and by
continuing communication after she became aware of this, the
occupational therapist breached ethical and professional standards
and hence Right 4(2).
The service was not held to be vicariously liable, as the
manager had set and communicated a clear policy on client-staff
communication.
The Director of Proceedings laid a charge of professional
misconduct with the Health Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal. The
Tribunal determined that the occupational therapist required
assistance in identifying and maintaining professional boundaries,
and ordered that, should she recommence practice, she must consult
with a nominated professional approved by the Occupational Therapy
Board, and comply with any instructions or training given on
boundary identification and maintenance. The Tribunal also ordered
her to contribute $15,000 towards the costs of the hearing and
prosecution.
Link to Health Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal:
http://www.hpdt.org.nz/portals/0/ot0897pdecpcc069%28web%20version%29.pdf