Physicians would explain uterus or ovary removal before surgery

A physician who recommends either surgery would have to get the patient’s oral and written informed consent. This applies when a physician recommends a hysterectomy, which removes the uterus, or an oophorectomy, which removes an ovary. The patient must receive the required information at least two weeks before the surgery is scheduled. This includes a notice about the right to refuse or withdraw consent, educational materials, and diagrams. The notice must say that refusing or withdrawing consent will not affect future care or treatment, or state or federal program benefits the patient might otherwise qualify for. The bill says the section would take effect July 1, 2026.

Before surgery, the patient would sign a statement confirming they read the information and discussed it with the surgeon. This applies to patients having a hysterectomy or oophorectomy and to their surgeons. For a hysterectomy, the statement must say the surgeon advised the patient that its effects are irreversible and the patient will be unable to conceive. The patient may change the consent form to require the surgeon to stop and stitch any open wounds in specified circumstances. Both patient and surgeon must initial each change, and the surgeon must give the patient a copy of the changed form. The bill says the section would take effect July 1, 2026.

The consent procedure would not be required for a hysterectomy in a qualifying life-threatening emergency; a physician or surgeon could face professional discipline for noncompliance after a board hearing. The emergency exception applies only to a hysterectomy. The discipline rule applies to physicians and surgeons who do not follow this section. The emergency exception applies when the physician determines that getting written consent beforehand is not possible. Discipline may follow only if the board finds noncompliance after a hearing. The bill says the section would take effect July 1, 2026.