Bill > HB1109

This bill establishes new requirements for health care professionals and students when performing intimate examinations, defined as breast, pelvic, anal, rectal, prostate, or other urogenital examinations, on patients who are sedated, anesthetized, or unconscious. Generally, such examinations are prohibited unless specific written informed consent is obtained, the examination is within the standard of care and already consented to, a medical emergency necessitates it, or a court orders it for evidence collection. To obtain this specific consent, a health care professional or student must provide a separate document detailing the nature, purpose, and procedure of the examination, identifying who will perform it, and whether a student will be present or involved, allowing the patient or their representative to consent or decline both the examination by a professional and by a student. If an examination is performed under these exceptions, the patient must be notified before discharge. The bill also clarifies that these provisions do not affect medical forensic examinations related to sexual assault investigations and states that violating these rules or retaliating against someone reporting a violation constitutes unprofessional conduct subject to disciplinary action by licensing boards or medical education programs, with the act taking effect on July 1, 2026.

Health and Social Services

https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2026/pdf/history/HB/HB1109.xml