PRACTICE MANAGEMENT


Treating your own It’s legal, but it can be risky


“The danger comes when they find it impossible to maintain an


objective grip on the relationship.”


BY CRYSTAL CONDE


Giving a staff member a flu shot or writing your spouse a pre-


scription for pain medication may not seem like a big deal. But if you fail to maintain a medical record for the employee, or if your spouse gets hooked on a controlled substance, you could be in hot water. Texas Medical Board (TMB) Executive Director Mari Robinson, JD, says it’s not illegal for physicians to treat family members, friends, and employees, but doing so poses risks. “When physicians treat anyone they have a close, personal relationship with, the danger comes when they find it impossible to maintain an objective grip on the re- lationship. When treating friends, family members, or employees, physicians must


October 2011 TEXAS MEDICINE 33


PAUL BRADBURY / GETTY IMAGES


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