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SF 2899

Informed consent required for sensitive examinations performed on an anesthetized or unconscious patient provision

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Julia Coleman and 1 co-sponsor

Minnesota bill requiring explicit informed consent before sensitive exams on anesthetized patients, protecting bodily autonomy during medical procedures.

Referred to Health and Human Services
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Bill Summary · SF 2899

Legislative bill overview

SF 2899 requires explicit informed consent from patients before healthcare providers perform sensitive physical examinations (such as pelvic, breast, or rectal exams) on individuals who are anesthetized or unconscious. The bill establishes that consent for a primary surgical procedure does not automatically extend to additional sensitive examinations unless the patient has specifically agreed to them beforehand.

Why is this important

This addresses a documented practice where medical students, residents, or other providers perform teaching examinations on unconscious patients without separate explicit consent, which patients often discover only after the fact. The issue gained national attention through investigative journalism and patient advocacy, raising concerns about bodily autonomy, dignity, and trust in medical institutions.

Potential points of contention

  • Medical education impact: Teaching hospitals argue that such examinations are valuable for training competent physicians; restricting them could affect educational quality and physician preparedness in clinical settings
  • Practical implementation: Determining what constitutes a "sensitive" examination and establishing clear consent protocols may create administrative burden and potential liability disputes
  • Scope and exceptions: Questions remain about emergency situations, whether consent must be written versus verbal, and whether exceptions exist for medically necessary examinations that weren't anticipated

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

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