Please be aware of DMC Chaperone Policy
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The DMC has a policy regarding sensitive examination of patients :
Please review these to ensure you are acting appropriately with our patients.
Key Points
- The DMC supports the right of a patient to request and have a chaperone present during certain sensitive physical examinations and treatments.
- A patient’s cultural and religious beliefs may necessitate the presence of a chaperone or same gender provider no matter the type of examination or treatment.
- Presence of a chaperone increases patient comfort and protects providers from false accusations of inappropriate behavior.
- Consenting adult patients: The decision to use a chaperone during a sensitive physical examination or treatment should be made by the patient following discussion with the healthcare provider performing the exam/treatment.
- Minor patients: Family presence (parent/legal guardian) during all exams, including routine exams and procedures, is encouraged except when contraindicated (example: unsafe environment for chaperone – MRI).
- When a family member (parent/legal guardian) cannot be present during an exam or procedure of a patient who is a minor, an additional staff member the same gender as the patient (or patient’s/family member’s gender preference) is required to be present.
- Incapacitated patients: Providers are encouraged to always have a chaperone the same gender as the patient (or patient’s gender preference) present during all sensitive exam and/or treatment.