Sexual abuse and sexual misconduct complaints

Sexual abuse is defined in the Health Professions Act as "the threatened, attempted or actual conduct of a regulated member towards a patient that is of a sexual nature".

The touching by an RN or NP of sensitive parts of a patient’s body for a valid medical purpose with the informed consent of the patient does not constitute sexual abuse.

Sexual misconduct is defined in the Health Professions Act as “any incident or repeated incidents of objectionable or unwelcome conduct, behaviour or remarks of a sexual nature by a regulated member towards a patient that the regulated member knows or ought reasonably to know will or would cause offence or humiliation to the patient or adversely affect the patient’s health and well-being but does not include sexual abuse.”

We recognize that coming forward with a complaint about sexual abuse or sexual misconduct can be very difficult. We take all complaints, including those of sexual abuse or sexual misconduct, with the utmost seriousness. Call CARNA for assistance or to make a complaint, our professional conduct department has training in the area of sexual abuse and is very familiar with CARNA’s complaint process.

For more information call 780.451.0043 / 1.800.252.9392 and ask to speak to someone in the complaints department. Learn more about the complaint process.

Complaints of a sexual nature may involve:

• Inappropriate comments or gestures: This could include saying something sexually suggestive or seductive to a patient, commenting unnecessarily about sexual relationships or sexual orientation, making sexually insulting or offensive comments or jokes, or giving unwanted attention (like kissing).
• Unnecessary or improper physical examinations: Conducting a breast, genital, or pelvic examination without a valid medical reason would be considered to be sexual abuse if the touching is of a sexual nature.
• Sexual contact or assault: This encompasses everything from inappropriate touching to sexual assault. It also includes any sexual contact between an RN/NP and patient that would otherwise be considered consensual.
• Sexual relationships: Even if an RN/NP and a patient (as defined in CARNA’s Standards of Practice) agree to have a sexual relationship, this constitutes sexual abuse since legally there can be no consent to a sexual relationship between an RN/NP and a patient.

Coming forward about a sexually inappropriate encounter can be incredibly difficult, however there are good reasons for reporting:

• Public protection: Incidents of sexual abuse are often not isolated. Coming forward could mean preventing an incident from occurring again.
• Awareness: The regulatory body won’t know otherwise, we rely on individuals to make us aware when things aren’t right. We can only learn about sexual abuse from people who make complaints.
• A sense of closure: Knowing that there is an investigation and potential consequences may play a role in the healing process.

Filing a complaint with CARNA related to sexual abuse and sexual misconduct is entitles the patient to receive funding.

To learn more about funding for counselling or therapy, please contact CARNA’s conduct department at 780.451.0043 / 1.800.252.9392.

Patients may also wish to contact Health Link Alberta for current resources to support them.