Patients must be offered chaperones for ‘sensitive’ exams, DOD says

The Defense Health Agency has clarified the U.S. military’s policy regarding chaperones during medical exams following several prominent cases of Army doctors taking indecent liberties with patients behind closed doors. In a memo sent last month to military health system leadership , including military hospitals and dental facilities and support offices, acting DHA Director David Smith said patients have always had a right to a chaperone, but physicians now must offer them for sensitive medical exams or procedures.

Signage will inform patients that they have a right to a chaperone regardless of treatment, according to the memo, but in gynecological, breast or pelvic exams, they must be offered one. “Having chaperones available is a crucial part of patient-centered care,” said Dr. Paul Cord