AR HB1137

Healthcare professionals are prohibited from performing pelvic examinations on unconscious or anesthetized patients without written consent from the patient or patient's representative, with limited exceptions.

Exceptions to the consent requirement include court-ordered examinations for evidence collection, examinations within standard of care when informed consent has been given, and examinations immediately necessary for diagnosis or treatment in medical emergencies.

Students and trainees may only perform pelvic examinations on unconscious or anesthetized patients for teaching purposes with explicit patient consent, if medically related to the planned procedure, when identified to the patient as part of the care team, and under direct educator supervision.

Healthcare professionals and students or trainees must notify patients at a reasonable time before discharge if a pelvic examination was performed under the emergency, court order, or standard of care exceptions.

Violations constitute grounds for disciplinary action by the appropriate licensing board or medical education program.