Section 330-A:37 Sexual Misconduct; Duty to Inform.
I. If, during the course of mental health therapy a client alleges that a person licensed under this chapter has engaged with the client in sexual misconduct as defined in RSA 330-A:36, the person licensed under this chapter shall have a duty to inform the client in the manner provided for in paragraph II.
II. The duty may be discharged by, and no monetary liability or cause of action may arise against, any person licensed under this chapter, if the licensee informs the client of the unethical, unprofessional, and dishonorable conduct of the previous psychotherapist's actions. Any person licensed under this chapter shall also advise the client that such sexual misconduct is cause for disciplinary action by the board.
III. No civil or criminal liability shall arise concerning client privacy or confidentiality against a person licensed under this chapter for information disclosed to the board or any other statutorily created medical occupational licensing board conducting disciplinary proceedings in discharging the responsibilities established under this subdivision, provided that such information is disclosed in good faith.
IV. No civil action shall be maintained against any board member, the board, or its agents or employees, or against any organization or its members, including, but not limited to, any member of a professional standards review organization listed in RSA 507:8-c, I, or against any other person for or by reason of any statement, report, communication, or testimony to the board, or determination by the board in relation to disciplinary proceedings under this section provided that such statement, report, communication, or determination is made in good faith.
V. If the client decides to report such sexual misconduct to the board, the person licensed under this chapter shall provide, either directly or indirectly through referral, support and advocacy to such client in reporting the incident to the board.
Source. 1998, 234:1, eff. Oct. 31, 1998.