AB 849 (Soria, D-Merced)

AB 849 would, by Jan. 1, 2027, require providers as defined in Health and Safety Code Section 127500.2 to notify patients, in writing or electronically, that for sensitive examinations involving an ultrasound performed by a sonographer, a trained medical chaperone will be available upon request. Patients would have the right to decline a chaperone, and a provider would have the right to decline performing a sensitive exam without a medical chaperone present. Facilities would be required to educate sonographers and staff who may serve as medical chaperones about appropriate observational and intervention techniques, how to properly drape a patient, the importance of neutrality, and how to report any inappropriate behaviors observed or communicated by the patient. CHA is working closely with Assemblymember Esmeralda Soria’s office to further address staffing constraints that would result from such a mandate. Amendments taken in the Assembly Appropriations Committee remove Department of Corrections’ hospitals.

Assembly Health Committee Oppose Unless Amended Letter

Assembly Appropriations Committee Oppose Unless Amended Letter