AB 849 (Soria, D-Merced)

AB 849 would require hospitals to notify patients, both in writing and electronically, that a trained medical chaperone will be available for sensitive examinations involving ultrasound. Patients would have the right to decline a chaperone. Facilities would be required to provide medical chaperone training to clinical and nonclinical hospital staff so they can identify nonstandard behavior and procedures and intervene for patient safety and security. Additionally, hospitals must maintain a competency report documenting chaperone assignments and procedures. CHA is working closely with Assemblymember Esmeralda Soria’s office to provide education on current hospital chaperone practices and propose alternative solutions.