LOS ANGELES COUNTY
DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH
  Policy 302.05 Reporting Suspected/Alleged Sexual Behavior between Service Providers and Clients
Policy Category:  Clinical
Distribution Level:  Directly Operated and Contractors
Responsible Party:  Clinical Risk Management
 
Approved by Curley L. Bonds, MD, Chief Medical Officer
Reviewed and approved by Clinical Policy Committee on Sep 26, 2024
I.  PURPOSE
 
To establish a Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health (DMH) policy and procedures for reporting suspected or alleged sexual behavior between a service provider and a mental health client.

Contracted agencies shall develop an internal policy and associated procedures that are consistent with their organizational practices and meet the requirements set forth in this policy.
 
II.  DEFINITIONS
 
Service Provider: Any DMH or DMH contracted employee who is registered, licensed, waivered, or certified to provide service; or is in training including:
  • Psychiatrist;
  • Psychologist;
  • Registered psychologist;
  • Psychological assistant;
  • Licensed Clinical Social Worker;
  • Registered Associate Clinical Social Worker;
  • Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist;
  • Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist;
  • Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor;
  • Registered Associate Professional Clinical Counselor;
  • Clinical Pharmacist;
  • Registered Nurse (generalist and advanced practice);
  • Occupational Therapist;
  • Psychiatric Technician;
  • Substance Abuse Counselor; Peer Counselor; Community Health Worker; or similarly titled employee;
  • Medical Case Worker;
  • Any intern or student; or,
  • Any direct service personnel who might, by reason of their role, establish a warm or close relationship with the client.
Sexual Behavior: Any inappropriate contact or communication of a sexual nature. Sexual behavior does not include the provision of appropriate therapeutic interventions relating to sexual issues.
 
III.  POLICY
 
DMH service providers shall immediately report any suspected or alleged sexual behavior with a client by a service provider to a supervisor.

Clients who allege sexual behavior with a service provider shall receive the booklet, Therapy Never Includes Sexual Behavior.
 
IV.  PROCEDURES
 
V.  AUTHORITY
 
VI.  ATTACHMENT