A Mother Brings Her 7-Year-Old Son to the Pediatrician for a Check-Up

A mother brings her 7-year-old son to the pediatrician for a check-up.  He was born 8 weeks premature and has a history of asthma.  The physician has cared for the child from birth but is part of a large group practice in which other physicians may see the patient on occasion due to scheduling issues.  Over the years, the physician has become close to the patient's mother, who confided that she is unhappily married and is seeking a divorce.  The physician and the patient's mother started dating last year but have kept the relationship hidden from the patient.  He has been too embarrassed to discuss the situation with his colleagues.  The physician now feels increasingly concerned about the ethics of treating the patient as the relationship with the mother has intensified.  At today's visit, the mother insists that he continue as the child's physician because she trusts him the most.  After the visit, the physician approaches one of his colleagues for advice.  Which of the following is the best advice to give the physician at this time?

A) Explain that he may continue to treat the patient as long as he informs the child of his relationship with the mother.
B) Explain that this would be an issue only if the physician were to marry the mother and assume parental responsibilities.
C) Reassure the physician that relationships with a parent of a patient are ethically acceptable.
D) Recommend that the physician transfer the patient's care to another physician.
E) Tell the mother that he will continue to be involved with the patient's care but will arrange for other physicians in the group practice to see the child.