New HHS Guidelines on Patient Consent for Training Exams
April 1, 2024
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services announced guidelines mandating explicit patient consent for medical students to conduct pelvic and other sensitive exams on anesthetized patients for training. This move aims to standardize patient rights and ensure informed consent nationwide, addressing longstanding concerns over invasive procedures conducted without permission. Previously, such practices varied by state, with only 14 states having laws against non-consensual exams as of 2021. The guidelines outline detailed consent requirements, emphasizing patient awareness and agreement. This measure is seen as a significant step towards restoring trust, particularly within the Black community, which has historically been subjected to non-consensual medical practices. Additionally, the guidelines suggest implementing anonymous reporting mechanisms for misconduct, highlighting the importance of safeguarding patients and medical students.
To read more, click here.
[Source: STAT, April 1st, 2024]
