Wisconsin Senate Bill SB127

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/14/23
• Refer: 3/14/23
• Report Pass: 10/13/23
• Engrossed: 10/17/23
• Refer: 3/14/24
• Failed: 4/15/24

Caption

Requiring informed consent before performing a pelvic examination on a patient who is under general anesthesia or unconscious.

Impact

The legislation directly affects hospitals and their training protocols for medical and nursing students. By implementing these consent requirements, hospitals will need to ensure that all students and staff are adequately informed about the new policies. The bill is intended to prevent instances where pelvic examinations could occur without patient knowledge, which could lead to ethical violations. This change represents a significant shift towards enhancing patient rights and informed consent practices in medical environments, particularly in sensitive procedures.

Summary

Senate Bill 127 establishes a requirement for informed consent before a pelvic examination is performed on a patient who is under general anesthesia or otherwise unconscious. The bill mandates that hospitals create and enforce policies that ensure both written and verbal consent are obtained from patients undergoing such examinations. This regulation aims to protect patient autonomy and uphold ethical standards within medical practice, particularly regarding examinations conducted by medical and nursing students, and other authorized personnel.

Contention

Discussions surrounding SB127 may evoke differing opinions within the healthcare community. Proponents argue that the bill is crucial for safeguarding patient rights and fostering a culture of transparency and respect within medical education. Conversely, critics may raise concerns about the potential for increased administrative burdens on hospitals and the implications this might have on the training of medical students. Balancing patient protection with the effective training of healthcare providers will likely be a key point of debate as the bill advances through the legislative process.