The state of Oregon is leading the way in patient-centered women’s healthcare with the introduction of the Medical Chaperone Law, empowering patients and protecting your rights during sensitive and intimate medical procedures.
The Medical Chaperone Law, which came into effect on July 1, 2023, is designed to promote transparency, respect, and patient autonomy, especially in sensitive gynecologic and obstetric care. The law’s primary objective is to provide you as our patient with the opportunity to have a medical chaperone present during exams and treatments where you may feel uncomfortable or vulnerable.
When you visit Northwest Women’s Clinic, you may choose to have a certified chaperone, promoting a stronger relationship with your doctor based on trust and respect. Our chaperones are either certified or licensed healthcare professionals and may not be a personal friend or relative of the patient or healthcare provider.
Key components of the Oregon Medical Chaperone Law include:
Patient Choice: Patients can choose to have a chaperone present during any examination or procedure in women’s health clinics. This option empowers women to feel more secure during their healthcare visits.
Chaperone Training: Chaperones must receive appropriate training to understand their role and responsibilities, ensuring they provide the emotional and physical support that patients may require.
Confidentiality and Consent: Strict measures are in place to guarantee the confidentiality of patient information. Additionally, patients’ consent for the presence of a chaperone must be explicitly obtained before the examination.
Emergency Situations: The law accounts for situations where a chaperone’s presence may not be feasible or necessary, such as in emergency cases. In such instances, healthcare providers are given the discretion to proceed without a chaperone.
Northwest Women’s Clinic is fully committed to implementing this law and making our clinics even more welcoming and patient-centric. All of our medical professionals have undergone training on patient rights and providing appropriate care when a chaperone is present. This training ensures that the presence of a chaperone does not interfere with the quality of healthcare provided to you.
Please feel free to reach out to us if you have any questions or concerns about medical chaperones at Northwest Women’s Clinic. You may also find the answers to frequently asked questions provided by the Oregon Medical Board.
Women’s healthcare is not simply about medical procedures and treatments, but also about your overall experience and emotional well-being as a patient. Northwest Women’s Clinic looks forward to providing you with greater peace of mind and empowerment throughout your healthcare journey.
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