Maintaining personal and professional boundaries

This guidance covers the importance of maintaining respectful personal and professional boundaries with patients and colleagues. It covers unacceptable behaviours and the impacts these can have, both on individuals and patient safety.  The guidance also covers what to do if you become aware of a breach of sexual boundaries by a colleague or patient.  It covers the responsibilities around reporting. And advises on how to support those who have experienced unacceptable behaviour. 

This guidance came into effect on 30 January 2024.

The guidance was updated on 13 December 2024 when regulation of physician associates and anaesthesia associates by the GMC came into effect.