This bill would change the Social Security Act to require Medicare providers to follow new informed consent and chaperone rules starting January 1, 2026. Providers must keep written policies that tell adult patients about their rights: to be told their health status, to take part in planning their care, to give informed consent before an item or service is given, and to request a chaperone during a sensitive procedure. Providers must also train staff about these rights, how to act as a chaperone, and what counts as a sensitive procedure. The bill defines a chaperone as a trained staff member who witnesses the procedure, helps keep the patient comfortable and safe, and reports sexual abuse (as defined in federal law) to a designated supervisor. "Sensitive procedure" includes exams or procedures involving the genitalia, breasts, perianal region, or rectum, and any exam a patient considers sensitive.
No publicly available information on estimated costs or funding levels is included in the bill text or provided metadata.
No publicly available statements of proponents' arguments are included in the bill text or provided metadata beyond the bill's stated requirements to strengthen informed consent and chaperone practices for Medicare providers.
No publicly available information on opponents' views or objections is included in the bill text or provided metadata.