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Bill

HB 1018

Health care; unauthorized pelvic examinations; exceptions; effective date.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Michelle McCane

Oklahoma bill restricts pelvic examinations without explicit patient consent, establishing exceptions for emergencies and medical education while creating accountability for healthcare providers.

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Bill Summary · HB 1018

Legislative bill overview

HB 1018 would establish legal restrictions on performing pelvic examinations without explicit patient consent, with specified exceptions for emergency medical situations and certain educational contexts. The bill creates a framework defining when such examinations are permissible and establishes penalties for violations.

Why is this important

Pelvic examinations conducted without informed consent have been documented in medical training and clinical settings, raising bodily autonomy and patient rights concerns. This legislation addresses a gap in Oklahoma law by establishing clearer consent requirements and accountability mechanisms for healthcare providers.

Potential points of contention

  • Medical training scope: Defining permissible exceptions for teaching hospitals and medical education—balancing patient protection with physician training needs
  • Emergency care limitations: Determining what constitutes genuine medical emergencies that would justify examinations without explicit pre-examination consent
  • Enforcement mechanisms: Questions about who investigates violations and what penalties apply—whether through medical boards, civil litigation, or criminal prosecution
  • Practical implementation: Concerns from healthcare providers about documentation requirements and liability exposure in time-sensitive situations

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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