Does that rule only apply when they’re on the clock? Are doctors even allowed to treat their own family members? If a doctor got intimate with his wife after treating her, could she sue him?
Does that rule only apply when they’re on the clock? Are doctors even allowed to treat their own family members? If a doctor got intimate with his wife after treating her, could she sue him?
This reminds me of a question I have about the whole Monica Lewinsky scandal. Obviously, he was in a position of power and shouldn’t have had relations with an intern. But it does beg the question: can any American citizen fully consent to relationships with the active president?
The issue is power and influence, but even the president’s wife is subject to a certain level of his presidential authority. So where’s the line? When is it “okay” in the eyes of the power dynamic.
Most people are probably reasonable enough to say that his wife, of course, can consent. But it still does make me ponder, and there’s an invisible line in the sand somewhere for most people
The defining characteristic is usually direct oversight/power. Can the person reward/punish/fire you? If so then there are ethical concerns involved in a relationship (although a relationship may not be strictly forbidden). Is the person an authority figure like a police officer? Same deal.
Relationships are complex enough that judgments should be, and to the best of my knowledge often are, made on a case-by-case basis. E.g. of course police officers can still have relationships, but they can’t say “Date me if you don’t want a ticket”. For bosses working every day with employees it’s also tricky. In the professional circles I know of it’s considered risky for a boss to be sleeping with an employee but not forbidden. What is outright illegal is pressuring an employee into a relationship of any kind. Sexual/romantic relationships can still happen, but consent has to be clearly stated and unforced.
No it doesn’t.
From the same article
Right, and people who do that are wrong.