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Oregon Medical Board’s Medical Chaperone Ruling goes into effect on July 1, 2023. This rule requires all OMB licensees to offer a trained chaperone to be physically present for all genital, rectal, and breast examinations.*
In May, more than 60 OPS members met to discuss OAR 847-010-0130, review the OMB’s list of Frequently Asked Questions (latest update is May 25) on implementation, and share feedback on how the ruling could impact their practices. OPS took this valuable input to the OMB for clarification and to share clinicians' concerns. See OPS's Q&A with the OMB, which covers many of the OPS member questions, including:
- How can the chaperone be offered?
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What constitutes an “exam” under the ruling? Are newborn procedures affected?
- How often is consent needed during hospital admissions and visits?
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What about patient privacy for adolescents during genitalia exams?**
Through conversations with the OMB, a key point is clear: only the rule is enforceable, not the Frequently Asked Questions. Practices should consider the FAQs for implementation, and read and use the rule as their ultimate guide for decision making.
* The chaperone should "not participate in acts that would obstruct or distract the chaperone from observing the licensee's behavior and actions throughout the exam, procedure, or clinical encounter."
** The rule focuses on observing the provider’s behavior, not the patient’s genitals.
OPS partner Children's Health Alliance has developed a half-hour training for unlicensed pediatric medical chaperones. Thanks to the generosity of CHA, complementary access to this training is now available to OPS Members.
OPS plans to keep reporting back to the OMB any challenges or improvements for patient care and clinical practice with the implementation of this Rule. Please continue to send your feedback to OPS Executive Director Julie Scholz.
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