ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Fifty-fourth Legislature

Second Regular Session

House: HHS DPA 9-0-0-0

HB 2051: informed consent; pelvic examinations

Sponsor:  Representative Barto, LD 15

House Engrossed

Overview

Expands the definition of unprofessional conduct for physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants to include performing or supervising a pelvic examination without obtaining the patient's informed consent.

History

Currently ten states have made it illegal for a medical professional to perform a pelvic exam without first obtaining the patient's express consent (EHLPP). According to current statute, a medical doctor, doctor of osteopathy, nurse or physician assistant suspected of unprofessional conduct may be investigated and disciplined if found guilty by their respective boards (A.R.S. §§ 32-1451, 32-1855, 32-1664, 32-2551).

Provisions

1.    ☐ Prop 105 (45 votes) ☐ Prop 108 (40 votes) ☐ Emergency (40 votes) ☐ Fiscal NoteProhibits a physician, nurse practitioner or physician assistant from performing or supervising a pelvic examination on an anesthetized or unconscious patient without first obtaining the patient's informed consent to the examination, unless the examination:

a)    Is within the scope of the procedure to be performed for which informed consent has been obtained;

b)    Is required for diagnostic purposes and is medically necessary; or

c)    Is a forensic medical examination requested by law enforcement to secure evidence that a person has been the victim of a sexual criminal offense (Sec.1)

d)     

e)     

f)     ---------- DOCUMENT FOOTER ---------

g)    Initials IG/ML              House Engrossed

h)     

i)      ---------- DOCUMENT FOOTER ---------