Minnesota Senate Bill SF1396

Minnesota 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/8/23
• Refer: 2/8/23

Caption

Informed consent provision for pelvic examinations of an anesthetized or unconscious patient

Impact

The enactment of SF1396 will significantly alter existing state laws regarding medical consent and patient rights. Specifically, it reinforces the principle of informed consent, meaning healthcare providers will have to take additional measures to ensure that consent is both presented and documented appropriately for pelvic examinations. Consequently, this bill sets a precedent for other medical procedures that may require similar consent measures, thereby potentially expanding the application of informed consent across various medical practices.

Summary

SF1396 emphasizes the necessity of obtaining informed consent from patients before conducting pelvic examinations on individuals who are anesthetized or unconscious. The bill mandates that health professionals, including students and residents in training, must secure written consent from the patient or their legal representative. The bill specifies conditions under which pelvic examinations may still be performed without prior consent, such as in emergencies or when ordered by a court. This legislative change aims to enhance patient autonomy and ensure ethical clinical practices in the medical field.

Contention

There may be resistance to SF1396 from some healthcare professionals who might argue that the stringent consent requirement could hinder timely medical intervention in critical situations. Others may believe that the bill adds unnecessary bureaucratic steps that could complicate medical training for students and residents. Thus, while the intention behind the bill is to protect patient rights, there could be debates about balancing such protections with the practical demands of healthcare delivery in real-time situations.