The DMC has a policy regarding sensitive examination of patients :

Here is the policy

Here is the tip sheet

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.