Patients and providers may request a chaperone at any time for any procedure, and every attempt will be made to honor those requests.
Care will not be delayed in emergency situations.
When will a chaperone be offered?
A chaperone will be offered when a “sensitive exam or procedure” is needed to provide care to the patient. However, patients and providers may request a chaperone at any time for any procedure, and every attempt will be made to honor those requests.
Why are chaperones offered at OMC?
Chaperones are offered within Olympic Medical Center’s hospital and clinic system to support a consistent, standard, and safe care environment. There can be physical, psychological, and cultural reasons why chaperones may be requested or needed. The use of chaperones promotes respect for the patient’s dignity and the professional nature of examination.
What is a chaperone?
A chaperone is a person who acts as a witness for a patient and provider during a sensitive examination or procedure.
Do I have to have a chaperone?
While a chaperone will be offered to you prior to a sensitive exam/procedure, you do have the choice to decline the use of a chaperone.
When is a chaperone mandatory?
- When the patient is vulnerable
- Vulnerable patients are defined as any of the following:
- A person under the age of 18;
- A person who lacks the capacity to give informed consent;
- A person who is unable to protect themselves from abuse, neglect or exploitation. This includes those who only momentarily lack capacity due to sedation.
- Vulnerable patients are defined as any of the following:
Who can be a chaperone?
At OMC, chaperones are a designated healthcare team member, such as nurse, medical assistant, doctor, radiology tech/aide, etc., who has received training on being a chaperone.
Can a family member be a chaperone?
Family members or friends of adult patients should not be chaperones but may be present for emotional support.
Family members cannot act as the chaperone for adolescent patients (ages 11-17), nor can family members decline a chaperone on behalf of their adolescent child.
A family member, parent or legal guardian may serve as a chaperone for a pediatric patient (ages 0-10) examination except for examinations or procedures where:
- There is placement of finger(s), speculum, swabs, or any other instruments into the vagina or rectum, or
- There is a suspicion of abuse.