Professional Boundaries

Summary

Based on the premises that all clinicians have the potential to commit an ethics or boundary violation, but that all violations are preventable, this course is an interactive, online course for clinicians who wish to avoid professional lapses. Participants learn how to reduce their own potential for committing a violation and to recognize red flags in themselves and others. This course culminates with the development of a Personalized Protection Plan that will assist clinicians in upholding the ethical and professional obligations of their profession.

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Format

1. Self-paced online course combining online readings, interactive assignments, knowledge checks, and quizzes
2. Certificate distributed upon successful completion of the final exam and course evaluation at the end of the course

Professions this course is suitable for:

Physicians, dentists, veterinarians, chiropractors, PhD's, and other clinicians serving in a supervisory role or as "captain of the ship".

For PA, RN, PT, NP, MSW, LMFT, RT, EMT and other non-doctoral degreed clinicians, please see the Non-Doctorate Edition of this course.

This course addresses issues such as:

• Professional misconduct
• Non-Sexual and sexual boundary violations
• Workplace relationships and disruptive behavior
• Recognizing power imbalances
• General boundary crossing & violations
• Board-mandated or anticipated disciplinary action
• Team or clinical communication issues

Course reviews and testimonials

"This course has been humbling and important...I learned so much. This particular course should be mandatory on a yearly basis."

"I feel like I am more aware of red flags and can set better boundaries with patients regarding cell phone and social media. I will try and be mindful of catalysts like crises at work and at home."

"Well organized and well written. This was a helpful course and provided insight."

"Very good review of strategies for addressing the issues that surround boundary violations."

Learning objectives

• Demonstrate appropriate clinical decision making by minimizing negative influences
• Adhere to professional boundaries with resultant improvements in physician-patient interaction, which can improve clinical outcomes
• Become aware of the early warning signs and personal risk factors indicative of ethical dilemmas and boundary problems
• Acquire a working understanding of the Ethics / Boundary Formula in order to reduce their own violation potential for ethical and policy transgressions
• Understand how to create their own individual Stratified Ethics Protection Plan to maintain appropriate boundaries

Accreditation

This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education through the joint providership of the University of California, Irvine School of Medicine and Professional Boundaries, Inc. The University of California, Irvine School of Medicine is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

The University of California, Irvine School of Medicine designates these live activities each for a maximum of 2 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in this activity.