Bill > HF2371

This bill requires informed consent for sensitive medical examinations (defined as pelvic, breast, urogenital, or rectal examinations) performed on patients who are anesthetized or unconscious. The bill establishes four specific scenarios where such an examination may be conducted: (1) when the patient or their legal representative has provided prior written consent and the examination is necessary for preventive, diagnostic, or treatment purposes; (2) when the patient has consented to a surgical procedure or diagnostic examination and the sensitive examination is within the scope of that ordered care; (3) when the patient is unconscious and incapable of providing consent, but the examination is necessary for diagnostic or treatment purposes; or (4) when a court has ordered the examination for evidence collection purposes. Healthcare professionals, students, and residents who perform a sensitive examination without meeting these consent requirements can be charged with a gross misdemeanor and may face disciplinary action from their professional licensing board. The bill will become effective on August 1, 2025, and will apply to crimes committed on or after that date, providing important legal protections for patients who are unable to provide immediate consent during medical procedures.

Health and Social Services, Justice

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=House&f=HF2371&ssn=0&y=2025