Statewide medical chaperone rule takes effect July 1

A new Oregon requirement that goes into effect July 1 gives patients the right to have a trained medical chaperone present during any genital, rectal or breast examination.

The Oregon Medical Board rule was not implemented because of a particular incident, but as a result of the recommendation of a statewide group focused on sexual misconduct.

Here are some things to know about medical chaperones at St. Charles:

• Patients have always been able to ask for a chaperone during a sensitive clinical encounter, and St. Charles currently provides a chaperone upon request. The new rule simply requires Oregon health care providers to make the offer to patients.
• By law, a medical chaperone must be a licensed Oregon health care professional or a designated staff member who has completed a training course.
• The chaperone cannot be a friend or relative of the patient. However, the patient can request that a friend or relative be present.
• Adult patients (15+ years) may opt out of having a medical chaperone present.
• Patients under 15 years of age must have a medical chaperone present during sensitive exams or treatments, unless a parent/guardian/legal representative declines.
• A St. Charles physician, provider or caregiver may postpone a sensitive exam or treatment until a chaperone can be present.

For more information on the Oregon Medical Board Rule, visit stcharleshealthcare.org/chaperone.