IndianaIndiana law sets consent rules for exams on sedated patients
Starting July 1, 2026, covered medical workers and trainees may examine sedated, anesthetized, or unconscious patients only with consent or under a listed exception.
What it does
Covered medical workers and trainees may perform pelvic, prostate, or rectal exams on sedated, anesthetized, or unconscious patients only with consent or under a listed exception. Written consent must explain the exam and any student role.
Argument forPatients or their representatives could make a clear choice about these exams and student involvement, while keeping refusal from affecting the scheduled procedure.
Argument againstConsent forms and student-choice disclosures could add steps for care teams arranging exams, even though the law lists surgery, emergency, and court-order exceptions.
More detail
The law bars covered medical workers and trainees from performing pelvic, prostate, or rectal exams on sedated, anesthetized, or unconscious patients unless a listed exception applies. This applies to practitioners and listed medical trainees examining patients who are sedated, under anesthesia, or unconscious. The exam may proceed with prior written informed consent; as part of ordered surgery or a diagnostic exam if the patient has consented; when immediately needed in a medical emergency, including a rape kit; or when a court orders it to collect evidence. Written consent must be separate from other notices or agreements unless the exam is within the ordered care. It must describe the exam and purpose, name the person performing or supervising it, disclose student involvement, and allow refusal of the exam or student participation. Refusing under the written-consent option may not affect the scheduled medical procedure. The law takes effect July 1, 2026.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Mar 5Public Law 109Latest
- Mar 5Signed by the Governor Mike BraunBecame Law
- Feb 27Signed by the President Pro TemporeMajor
- Feb 27Signed by the President of the SenateMajor
- Feb 27Signed by the SpeakerMajor
- Feb 25Senate concurred with House amendments; Roll Call 272: yeas 48, nays 0
- Vote recorded SB 90 - Crider. Result: pass.Upper
- Feb 17Motion to concur filedMinor
- Feb 17Returned to the Senate with amendmentsMinor
- Feb 16Third reading: passed; Roll Call 251: yeas 90, nays 0Passed House
- Vote recorded SB 90 - McNamara - 3rd Reading. Result: pass.Lower
- Feb 12Second reading: ordered engrossedMinor
- Feb 10Committee report: amend do pass, adoptedMinor
- Jan 20First reading: referred to Committee on Public HealthMinor
- Jan 15Representative Jackson C added as cosponsor
- Jan 14Referred to the HouseMinor
- Jan 14Senators Becker, Bohacek, Deery, Yoder, Ford J.D., Jackson L added as coauthors
- Jan 13Senator Randolph added as coauthor
- Vote recorded SB 90 - Crider - 3rd Reading. Result: pass.Upper
- Jan 13Third reading: passed; Roll Call 21: yeas 44, nays 5Passed Senate
- Jan 13Senators Becker, Bohacek, Deery, Yoder, Ford J.D., Jackson L added as coauthors
- Jan 13House sponsor: Representative McNamara
- Jan 12Second reading: ordered engrossedMinor
- Jan 8Senator Johnson T added as third author
- Jan 8Senator Charbonneau added as second author
- Jan 8Committee report: do pass, adoptedMinor
- 2025
- Dec 9Authored by Senator Crider
- Dec 9First reading: referred to Committee on Health and Provider ServicesIntroduced
Healthcare