Bill > SB14

This bill addresses the ethical practice of performing pelvic exams on unconscious patients by establishing clear consent requirements for medical education purposes. Specifically, the legislation mandates that hospitals must obtain written informed consent from a patient before conducting a pelvic exam solely for educational training while the patient is under general anesthesia or unconscious. The bill requires hospitals to develop and maintain written policies and procedures that ensure patients have explicitly agreed to such exams before they are performed. This provision aims to protect patient autonomy and prevent non-consensual medical procedures, addressing a significant ethical concern in medical training where students might previously have conducted pelvic exams on sedated patients without their prior knowledge or permission. By creating an administrative rule through the Department of Health Services, the bill provides a formal mechanism for ensuring patient rights and informed medical education practices are consistently upheld across hospital settings.

Health and Social Services

https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2025/proposals/reg/sen/bill/sb14