Reporting Sexual Abuse by Doctors or Nurses: Your Step-by-Step Guide

What Survivors in New York Need to Know Before Taking the First Step

When you visit a doctor, nurse, or any healthcare provider, you’re placing trust in someone who should care for you, not harm you. But when that trust is violated by sexual abuse, the effects can feel overwhelming. Confusion, fear, shame, and anger are natural responses. You may not know what to do next or who to tell. If you’re in New York State and something happened during a medical appointment that made you feel unsafe, uncomfortable, or violated, there are clear steps you can take to report it, and to protect yourself going forward.

At Horn Wright, LLP, we understand the trauma that comes with this kind of abuse. Our sexual abuse attorneys represent survivors across New York with care, discretion, and a deep understanding of how these cases unfold. If you’re considering legal action or simply want to understand your rights, we’re here to help you make informed decisions at every stage.

Step 1: Know Your Rights Under New York Law

In New York State, every patient has the right to receive respectful medical care without fear of sexual misconduct. That includes protection from inappropriate touching, suggestive comments, or behavior disguised as medical treatment. The state authorizes the Department of Health to investigate cases involving professional medical misconduct, and nurses or other healthcare workers fall under the oversight of the New York State Education Department.

Consent in healthcare settings carries a different standard due to the power imbalance between provider and patient. Medical professionals must maintain clear boundaries at all times. If something felt wrong during a visit, trust that response. You don’t need to prove everything to start asking questions or taking action.

Step 2: Recognize the Warning Signs of Sexual Misconduct

Sexual abuse in medical settings doesn’t always begin with obvious behavior. Often, it starts subtly and builds. Recognizing early signs helps prevent future harm and supports your claim if you decide to report the abuse.

Watch for:

• Unnecessary physical exams, especially in sensitive areas, without clear medical reason
• Vague explanations for procedures or refusal to explain at all
• Requests to be alone with you when a chaperone is normally present
• Personal comments that feel intrusive, sexual, or degrading
• Dismissive behavior when you express discomfort

In any New York clinic, urgent care, or hospital, from Albany to Brooklyn, staff must follow strict ethical guidelines. If you sense something is wrong, you’re allowed to stop the appointment, leave, or ask for another provider.

Step 3: Document the Incident Immediately

Memories fade, but written details stay clear. Whether you report the abuse next week or next year, your notes can help investigators take your claim seriously.

Write down exactly what happened:

• The name and title of the provider involved
• The date, time, and location (e.g., “private OB-GYN office in Rochester”)
• What was said before, during, and after the incident
• Any other people present, even if briefly
• How you felt during and after the appointment

If you have messages, voicemails, or appointment records, save them. Screenshots, emails, and call logs all help establish a timeline. You don’t need to present a perfect case. Just preserve what you can.

Step 4: Seek Medical and Mental Health Support

Your well-being comes first. If you’ve been abused during a medical visit, seek care from someone you trust. Don’t return to the same provider. Choose a clinic where you feel safe. Let a trusted family member or friend go with you.

New York offers several resources to support survivors:

• NYC Well provides 24/7 mental health support across the five boroughs
• Rape Crisis Centers exist in every region of New York State
• New York State Office of Victim Services can help cover counseling and medical costs

You may need a medical exam from a provider trained in trauma-informed care. Some hospitals, including facilities in Manhattan and Syracuse, have Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner (SAFE) programs available. These specialists handle sensitive cases with compassion.

Step 5: File a Report with the Appropriate State Agency

New York State takes sexual misconduct by medical professionals seriously. The agency you report to depends on the provider’s license type.

For doctors:

• Contact the New York State Office of Professional Medical Conduct (OPMC)
• File a complaint online or call 1-800-663-6114

For nurses, physician assistants, and therapists:

• Report to the New York State Education Department, Office of the Professions
• Use their online form or call 1-800-442-8106

Include as much detail as possible, but don’t delay if you’re unsure. These agencies can investigate without your full medical records, and you can update your complaint as needed. If you were harmed in places like Queens or Buffalo, state investigators may visit those specific locations as part of their review.

Step 6: Consider Filing a Police Report

Sexual abuse is not only professional misconduct, it’s a crime. In New York, you have the right to file a police report in addition to reporting to state licensing boards. This process may feel intimidating, but law enforcement officers are trained to handle these reports with care.

To report a medical assault:

• Visit your local NYPD precinct or county sheriff’s department
• Bring any documentation you’ve gathered
• Ask to speak with an officer trained in handling sexual assault cases

If you live outside New York City, district attorneys in counties like Westchester or Erie often have dedicated sex crimes units. These teams guide survivors through the process and determine whether charges will be filed.

Step 7: Talk to an Attorney Who Handles Sexual Abuse Claims

Even if you haven’t decided to pursue a lawsuit, an experienced attorney can help you understand your legal options. Sexual abuse by medical professionals can lead to civil claims for damages, especially when the abuse caused lasting trauma or disrupted your life.

New York has expanded legal options for survivors:

• The Adult Survivors Act temporarily lifted time limits on filing claims
• You can still sue in civil court even if no criminal charges are filed

A skilled attorney can help you determine whether you have a valid claim, collect supporting evidence, and handle all communication with opposing parties. If the provider works for a major hospital system or private clinic, legal action may involve large institutions with experienced legal teams. You deserve your own support and should never feel limited by the emotional barriers many survivors face. 

Step 8: Know What to Expect After You Report

After you file a report with OPMC or another agency, investigators will review the information and may contact you for an interview. If they find evidence of misconduct, they can suspend or revoke the provider’s license. In criminal cases, prosecutors decide whether to bring charges based on the police investigation.

You may be asked to:

• Provide a formal statement
• Share medical records (with your consent)
• Identify the provider in photos or testimony

In both state and criminal proceedings, your privacy remains protected. You aren’t responsible for proving the entire case. You only need to speak your truth. From Long Island to the Finger Lakes, survivors across New York have stood up and been heard. Awareness of filing deadlines for sexual abuse ensures your report or civil claim is submitted in time. 

Step 9: Stay Informed and Protect Yourself Going Forward

Once you’ve taken action, it’s important to protect your health and peace of mind. Moving forward, consider these steps:

• Always ask for a chaperone during medical exams
• Research providers using the New York State Physician Profile website
• Switch doctors if you feel uneasy
• Keep records of all appointments and communications

Trust is earned. You’re allowed to set boundaries with any medical provider, no matter their title or reputation. If a doctor or nurse violates that trust again, speak up.

What to Do When a Medical Professional Crosses the Line

If a healthcare provider in New York State has harmed you, you don’t have to stay silent. You have the right to report them, seek justice, and move forward with support. At Horn Wright, LLP, our attorneys understand how difficult this journey can be. We’re here to protect your rights, help you feel safe again, and give you the power to take control of what happens next. Let us support you every step of the way.