American Academy of Pediatrics
Appropriate boundaries in the pediatrician-family-patient relationship. American Academy of Pediatrics. Committee on Bioethics
Abstract
All professionals are concerned about maintaining the appropriate limits in their relationships with those they serve. Romantic and sexual involvement between physicians and patients is unacceptable. Pediatricians also must strive to maintain appropriate professional boundaries in their relationships with the family members of their patients. Pediatricians should avoid behavior that patients and parents might misunderstand as having sexual or inappropriate social meaning. The acceptance of gifts or nonmonetary compensation for medical services has the potential to affect adversely the professional relationship.
Source and rights
Published by Pediatrics, 1999. The guideline itself is at the source linked here.
Prognia summarises this guideline for reference and education. It is not medical advice. Always check the official guideline and current local protocols before acting on it.
At a glance
- Organisation
- American Academy of Pediatrics
- Published
- 1999
- Applies to
- 🇺🇸 United States
- Scope
- National
- Journal
- Pediatrics
- PubMed
- 10429021
- Added to Prognia
- 25 July 2026







