S 1333 Massachusetts Senate · 193rd Legislature (2023-2024)

An Act prohibiting nonconsensual intimate examinations of anesthetized or unconscious patients

This bill amends Massachusetts law to protect patients from nonconsensual intimate examinations, specifically pelvic, prostate, or rectal exams, while they are anesthetized, deeply sedated, or unconscious. It requires health care providers to obtain specific written consent from a patient for such exams unless the procedure is already part of the planned medical treatment for which the patient gave general consent or is an emergency situation. The law defines "health care providers" broadly to include physicians, nurses, students, and other clinical trainees who might perform these procedures. By establishing these clear requirements, the legislation aims to prevent unauthorized intimate physical contact during vulnerable medical states.
Bill status passed 3 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2023
Committee Review
Feb 2023
House Passage
Feb 2023
Governor
Introduced Feb 16, 2023 Last action Feb 1, 2024
Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the House. No roll call record of that vote is available.
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
6
Key actions
1
Committee
1
Feb 16, 2023
House · Passed
House concurred
Feb 16, 2023
Senate · Referred to committee
Referred to the committee on Public Health
1 primary · 8 co-sponsors

Sponsors