H 2401 Massachusetts House · 194th Legislature (2025-2026)

An Act providing for safe and consensual sensitive examinations

This bill requires healthcare providers to obtain written consent for sensitive examinations (like pelvic or prostate exams) on unconscious or heavily sedated patients, except in emergencies. It guarantees patients the right to request a medical chaperone during such exams, with healthcare organizations encouraged to provide a chaperone matching the patient’s gender identity. Providers must inform patients about this right before exams and use standardized consent forms that explicitly mention the chaperone option. The law applies to all healthcare organizations and providers performing sensitive exams, aiming to ensure patient autonomy and safety during these procedures.
Sub-Topics: Public Health
Bill status passed 3 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2025
Committee Review
Feb 2025
Senate Passage
Feb 2025
Governor
Introduced Feb 27, 2025 Last action Jan 5, 2026
Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate. No roll call record of that vote is available.
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
8
Key actions
1
Committee
1
Feb 27, 2025
Upper · Passed
Senate concurred
upper
Feb 27, 2025
Committee
Referred to the committee on Public Health
lower
0 primary · 12 co-sponsors

Sponsors

No sponsor information available.