A bill aimed at protecting privacy is one step closer to becoming law.
The Patient Privacy Protection Act, co-authored by Senator Andre Jacque, recently passed a Senate vote, leaving it two steps away from ratification.
The measure aims to protect women by obtaining their explicit written consent before medical students can perform pelvic exams on female patients who are unconscious or under anesthesia.
Historically, medical schools have taught pelvic exams on unconscious, sedated patients undergoing gynecological medical procedures.
This practice, however, has often failed to obtain the specific, informed consent of the sedated patient.
Sen. Jacque clarified, “Requiring explicit consent will not threaten medical education; the majority of patients will agree to these examinations, which will improve the system of medical education by teaching students the importance of informed consent in protecting their female patients.”
The Patient Protection Act must next pass the Assembly and before going to Governor Tony Evers’ desk.
