If you suspect a bias due to a personal relationship with a patient, what is the recommended course of action?

• A. Disclose the relationship and recuse from decision making.
• B. Ignore and proceed as usual.
• C. Publicly discuss the relationship in a staff meeting and continue.
• D. End the therapeutic relationship and withdraw licensure.

Answer: (A)

When a personal relationship could bias how you treat a patient, the important move is to manage that conflict openly and protect the patient’s care. The recommended course is to disclose the relationship to the appropriate supervisor, ethics resources, or governing body, and recuse yourself from decisions where your objectivity might be compromised. This act of transparency helps preserve patient trust and ensures that clinical judgments aren’t influenced by personal feelings. If possible, arrange for another qualified clinician to take over decisions and continue care, with proper handoffs and documentation to maintain continuity. Ending the therapeutic relationship or withdrawing licensure isn’t the standard response to this situation; neither ignoring the issue nor discussing it publicly in a staff meeting is appropriate because it can undermine confidentiality and professional boundaries. The focus is on disclosure, recusal, and a proper transfer of care to uphold ethical practice.