M.G.L. c. 112, as appearing in the 2016 Official Edition, is hereby amended by adding the following section:-

Section 275 – Presence of Chaperones 

In all medical examinations, a physician or physician assistant shall provide notice to a patient, or any other person who is to be examined, of the right to have a chaperone present during breast and pelvic examinations of females and genitalia and rectal examinations of both males and females. 

Notice to the patient is required and is satisfied by either written notice to the patient or posting notice in a manner in which the patient or caregiver can reasonably be made aware.  In circumstances where the posting or written notice to the patient would not convey the right to have a chaperone present, the physician or physician assistant shall use another means to ensure that the patient or person to be examined understands his or her right to have a chaperone present.

A physician or physician assistant shall not be obligated to provide further care for a non-emergency immediate medical problem presented if the physician or physician assistant is unable to provide a requested chaperone acceptable to the patient.  A physician or physician assistant shall not be obligated to provide further care for a non-emergency immediate medical problem presented if the patient refuses to have a chaperone present and it is the physician’s or physician assistant’s desire to have a chaperone present during the examination.