Physicians should:
- Adopt a policy that patients are free to request a chaperone and ensure that the policy is communicated to patients.
- Always honor a patient’s request to have a chaperone.
- Have an authorized member of the health care team serve as a chaperone. Physicians should establish clear expectations that chaperones will uphold professional standards of privacy and confidentiality.
- In general, use a chaperone even when a patient’s trusted companion is present.
- Provide opportunity for private conversation with the patient without the chaperone present. Physicians should minimize inquiries or history taking of a sensitive nature during a chaperoned examination.
AMA Principles of Medical Ethics: I, IV
Read the Principles