IN HB1197

Physicians must obtain oral and written informed consent at least 2 weeks before performing a hysterectomy or oophorectomy, including providing a DVD, pamphlet, and anatomical diagrams from the HERS Foundation

Patients must be notified they can withdraw consent at any time without affecting future care or losing state/federal program benefits

Patients may modify the consent form to require the surgeon to stop surgery and suture wounds under specified circumstances, with modifications initialed by both patient and surgeon

The informed consent requirement is waived in life-threatening emergencies where the physician determines prior consent is not possible

Physicians who fail to comply face disciplinary sanctions under IC 25-1-9; effective date is July 1, 2026