It seems we have staff who step over boundries and engage in contact with patients outside the clinic, often involving ie. fixing a computer, buying a camera, having pt family babysit her child, taking a piece of candy from pt's bag and eating it on the floor. How can this be addressed. Do you think there are rules forbiding this behavior?

Generally, fratenizing with patients outside the clinic is unacceptable. The only time I would think this behavior is acceptable is if the PT/Staff member are related in someway that does not involve the clinic (friendship existing prior to patient admission, family member, etc.). I used to have a patient at my clinic that also happened to be the wife of a friend of mine, so in that case it was okay.

As far as the candy goes, I don't see a problem with it. Our patients will often bring in candy or snacks for us. As long as it's not something "extravegant" (expensive), it shouldn't be an issue. Consuming it in the clinic, however, is a problem. It should be consumed while on break. I suppose that really depends on your clinics policies, though.

Hope that helps.

Matt