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Bill

AB 849

Health providers: medical chaperones.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Maggy Krell and 1 co-sponsor

California requires health providers to offer patients a medical chaperone option during sensitive exams to enhance safety and protect both patients and providers from misconduct allegations.

Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 442, Statutes of 2025.
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Bill Summary · AB 849

Legislative bill overview

AB 849 requires California health providers to offer patients the option of having a medical chaperone present during sensitive physical examinations. The bill establishes standards for chaperone availability, training, and documentation while allowing patients to decline this service if they choose.

Why is this important

Medical chaperones serve as a protective measure for both patients and providers during intimate examinations by providing a witness and reducing allegations of misconduct. This law addresses patient safety and dignity concerns while also protecting healthcare providers from unfounded claims, potentially reducing litigation and improving trust in the healthcare system.

Potential points of contention

  • Implementation costs: Healthcare facilities must allocate resources for chaperone training, scheduling, and compensation, which could increase operational expenses, particularly for smaller practices
  • Workflow efficiency: Requiring chaperones for sensitive exams may slow clinical procedures and create scheduling bottlenecks, potentially affecting patient throughput
  • Scope ambiguity: The bill's definition of which exams require chaperone availability could be interpreted broadly or narrowly, creating inconsistency in implementation across providers
  • Patient privacy trade-offs: While chaperones protect against misconduct, the presence of a third party may make some patients uncomfortable discussing sensitive health information candidly

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

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