Bill > S3197

This bill mandates that healthcare facilities establish and implement a "medical chaperone policy" to address patient requests for a chaperone during "sensitive examinations," which are defined as procedures like breast, genital, pelvic, rectal, or prostate exams, or any other exam a patient finds uncomfortable without support, excluding emergencies where delay could be life-threatening. The policy must inform patients of their right to request a chaperone, with disclosures made verbally, in writing, via signage, or digitally through an "electronic health record" (an electronic record of patient health information from multiple encounters). Facilities must document chaperone requests, the nature of the sensitive examination, and chaperone identification in patient records, and submit their policies annually. Furthermore, all medical chaperones, including licensed professionals and trained staff, must complete facility-developed training based on best practices, and licensed physicians, physician assistants, registered nurses, and practical nurses will be required to complete a one-time training course on serving as a medical chaperone as part of their continuing education. The bill also specifies that a treating provider cannot perform a sensitive examination on an anesthetized, deeply sedated, or unconscious patient without specific informed consent, unless it's an emergency, and the Department of Public Health will develop authorized informed consent forms for such situations. The bill is set to take effect no later than January 1, 2027, and the Department of Public Health will report on its implementation within one year of its effective date.