Hospitals must obtain written consent for pelvic and similar exams

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has mandated that hospitals obtain written informed consent from patients before performing pelvic and other sensitive exams, particularly when patients are unconscious. This new guidance, aimed at providing clarity on consent requirements, specifically addresses exams for educational and training purposes conducted by medical students and other healthcare practitioners. The directive underlines the importance of explicit consent for breast, pelvic, prostate, and rectal exams, with non-compliance potentially leading to hospitals being barred from Medicare and Medicaid programs, in addition to facing fines and investigations for patient privacy violations. This move comes in response to concerns about patients undergoing such exams without their explicit consent, a practice that has been legally challenged in at least 20 states. The federal government’s announcement has been met with approval from advocacy groups and skepticism from some medical students, highlighting the need for clear guidelines and enforcement to ensure patient safety and dignity.

Source: AP News