Florida Statutes 456.51 – Consent for pelvic examinations
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(1) As used in this section, the term “pelvic examination” means a manual examination of the organs of the female reproductive system using the health care provider’s gloved hand or instrumentation. The term does not include a visual assessment, imaging, or a nondiagnostic medical or surgical procedure.
(2) A health care practitioner, a medical student, or any other student receiving training as a health care practitioner may not perform a pelvic examination on an anesthetized or unconscious patient without the written consent of the patient or the patient’s legal representative executed specific to, and expressly identifying, the pelvic examination. If the patient is conscious, informed verbal consent must be obtained for the pelvic examination in addition to any written consent obtained. Consent is not required if:
(a) A court orders performance of the pelvic examination for the collection of evidence;
Terms Used In Florida Statutes 456.51
- Evidence: Information presented in testimony or in documents that is used to persuade the fact finder (judge or jury) to decide the case for one side or the other.
- Health care practitioner: means any person licensed under chapter 457; chapter 458; chapter 459; chapter 460; chapter 461; chapter 462; chapter 463; chapter 464; chapter 465; chapter 466; chapter 467; part I, part II, part III, part V, part X, part XIII, or part XIV of chapter 468; chapter 478; chapter 480; part I, part II, or part III of chapter 483; chapter 484; chapter 486; chapter 490; or chapter 491. See Florida Statutes 456.001
(b) The pelvic examination is necessary for the provision of emergency services and care as defined in s. 395.002;
(c) The patient has an emergency medical condition as defined in s. 395.002;
(d) The pelvic examination is administered pursuant to a child protective investigation under chapter 39; or
(e) The pelvic examination is administered pursuant to a criminal investigation of an alleged violation related to child abuse or neglect under s. 787.06(3)(a)1., (c)1., (f)1., or (g); chapter 794; chapter 796; chapter 800; chapter 827; or chapter 847.
(3) A health care practitioner, a medical student, or any other student receiving training as a health care practitioner who is providing care to a pregnant woman having contractions in a facility licensed under chapter 395 need only obtain written consent from the patient to perform the initial pelvic examination. The written consent form must inform the patient that multiple pelvic examinations may be conducted during the course of her care and treatment at the facility.