Chaperone Policy
As physicians and other health care providers practicing in Healthcare South, we recognize that we have an obligation to respect the dignity of each patient and to conduct each visit in a manner that strives to provide a comfortable and considerate atmosphere providing appropriate gowns, privacy for undressing, sensitive use of draping, and clear explanations of various components of the physical examination.
Some physical examinations will be highly focused and the patient will be fully clothed; in other cases the patient may be partially or completely unclothed. In every case patients are free to request a chaperone. The chaperone may be a patient advocate or an authorized health care professional. The health care professionals will at all times adhere to the standards of confidentiality consistent within Healthcare South. During the time that a chaperone is present, the health care provider will strive to keep all inquiries of a sensitive nature to a minimum. The intake nurse or the physician should convey the policy of providing a chaperone.
There are a variety of circumstances, including those in which the patient requests confidentiality, which would render the presence of a chaperone problematic. Physician judgment and discretion must be paramount in evaluating the need for a chaperone, but the patient's request will be given the highest priority. If a chaperone is provided, a separate opportunity for private conversation will be provided.
Although this policy has been drafted using the recommendations of both the American Medical Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics, we recognize that each patient encounter is unique and a variance from this policy should in no way be construed as a deviation from proper or ethical practice.
