MN HF2612

Health professionals, students, and residents are prohibited from performing pelvic examinations on anesthetized or unconscious patients without prior written informed consent, except in specific circumstances.

Permitted exceptions include examinations necessary for preventive, diagnostic, or treatment purposes with prior consent; examinations within the scope of a consented surgical or diagnostic procedure; examinations necessary for diagnosis or treatment when the patient is unconscious and unable to consent; and court-ordered examinations for evidence collection.

Violations constitute a gross misdemeanor and subject the violator to disciplinary action by their health-related licensing board.

The law becomes effective August 1, 2021, and applies to crimes committed on or after that date.