(1) A podiatric physician commits unprofessional conduct if the podiatric physician abuses a patient or key third party. "Podiatric physician," "patient" and "key third party" are defined in WAC 246-922-600. A podiatric physician abuses a patient when he or she:

(a) Makes statements regarding the patient's body, appearance, sexual history, or sexual orientation that have no legitimate medical or therapeutic purpose;

(b) Removes a patient's clothing or gown without consent;

(c) Fails to treat an unconscious or deceased patient's body or property respectfully;

(d) Engages in any conduct, whether verbal or physical, which unreasonably demeans, humiliates, embarrasses, threatens, or harms a patient.

(2) A violation of any provision of this section shall constitute grounds for disciplinary action.