Operators May Not Be to Blame When a Physician Assaults a Patient—but They’re Sure to Pay the Price

An urgent care physician in the San Francisco Bay area was arrested recently on suspicion of sexual battery. A patient charged that he made repeated, unwanted sexual advances and even forced himself on her three times. Local media reports raise the specter that there could be other victims yet to come forward. There’s no indication that his employer had any idea about his alleged predatory behavior, and at this point there’s no indication that they’ll be hit with a lawsuit. However, whether the doctor is ultimately found guilty or not, this ugly situation should serve as a reminder that, even if it’s only in the court of public opinion, urgent care operators bear some responsibility for ensuring that patients are safe once they enter the clinic. Unfortunately, simply checking references and trying to get a sense of someone’s true nature in the interview process won’t always cut it. JUCM published an article on this complicated topic not too long ago. It provides insights and practical tips that could help you avoid getting embroiled in criminal and civil proceedings, and the scandal that goes with them. You can read Should an Urgent Care Operator Check the National Sex Offender Registry When Hiring Employees? in our archive right now.