Clinic Policy: Written Consent for Treatments Involving Sensitive Areas or Partial Undress

Richardson’s Wellbeing Clinic

1. Purpose

This policy sets out the clinic’s standards and procedures for maintaining clear professional boundaries in all communications with patients. It aims to ensure that all contact between practitioners and patients remains professional, clinically appropriate, and in line with the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC) Osteopathic Practice Standards.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all practitioners, associates, contractors, administrative staff, and students operating under or on behalf of the clinic.

3. Policy Statement

Practitioners and staff must maintain professional boundaries with patients at all times. Communication with patients must be directly related to clinical care, appointment scheduling, or administrative matters.
Non-clinical communication — including personal, social, or non-therapeutic exchanges — is strictly prohibited on all personal social media and messaging platforms.

4. Definitions

• Clinical Communication: Contact concerning the patient’s care, treatment, medical history, or appointment logistics.
• Non-Clinical Communication: Any personal, social, or informal contact not directly related to the patient’s clinical needs or administrative processes. This includes conversations of a personal nature, sharing of private content, or use of personal social media or messaging platforms.
• Messaging Platforms: Includes, but is not limited to, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Instagram, SMS, Snapchat, or similar tools.

5. Permitted Communication Channels

• The clinic’s official telephone line, email address, or secure booking system (e.g. Cliniko, TM3) must be used for all patient communication.
• Practitioners may only use personal mobile devices for urgent clinical matters if the clinic’s main contact channels are unavailable, and such communication must be documented in the patient record.

6. Prohibited Activities

Practitioners and staff must not:

• Engage in personal or social conversation with patients via social media or messaging platforms.
• “Follow”, “friend”, or connect with patients on personal social media accounts.
• Comment on or share patients’ posts, photos, or personal content.
• Send or respond to private messages from patients outside clinical or administrative purposes.
• Initiate or respond to communication that could be perceived as flirtatious, suggestive, or overly familiar.

7. Breach of Policy

Any breach of this policy may result in internal disciplinary action and, where applicable, referral to the appropriate regulatory body. Breaches will be reviewed by the Clinical Director or Designated Governance Lead.

8. Patient Awareness

Patients are informed of this policy during their initial registration and via the clinic’s privacy notice. The policy is available upon request and displayed in the clinic’s waiting area and website.

9. Review and Training

All practitioners and staff will receive training on professional boundaries and appropriate communication channels annually. This policy will be reviewed every 12 months or sooner if required by updates in professional guidance or regulation.

Approved by: Alistair Richardson, Clinical Director
Date: 1^st October 2025
Review Date: 30^th September 2026