§ 456.51 — Consent for pelvic examinations

Florida § 456.51

• Jurisdiction: Florida
• Title: XXXII
• Ch. 456: HEALTH PROFESSIONS AND OCCUPATIONS: GENERAL PROVISIONS

Text

(1) As used in this section, the term “pelvic examination” means a manual examination of the organs of the female reproductive system using the health care provider’s gloved hand or instrumentation. The term does not include a visual assessment, imaging, or a nondiagnostic medical or surgical procedure.

(2) A health care practitioner, a medical student, or any other student receiving training as a health care practitioner may not perform a pelvic examination on an anesthetized or unconscious patient without the written consent of the patient or the patient’s legal representative executed specific to, and expressly identifying, the pelvic examination. If the patient is conscious, informed verbal consent must be obtained for the pelvic examination in addition to any written consent obtained. Consent is not required if: (a) A court orders performance of the pelvic examination for the collection of evidence; (b) The pelvic examination is necessary for the provision of emergency services and care as defined in s. 395.002; (c) The patient has an emergency medical condition as defined in s. 395.002; (d) The pelvic examination is administered pursuant to a child protective investigation under chapter 39; or (e) The pelvic examination is administered pursuant to a criminal investigation of an alleged violation related to child abuse or neglect under s. 787.06(3)(a)1., (c)1., (f)1., or (g), or (5); chapter 794; chapter 796; chapter 800; chapter 827; or chapter 847.

(3) A health care practitioner, a medical student, or any other student receiving training as a health care practitioner who is providing care to a pregnant woman having contractions in a facility licensed under chapter 395 need only obtain written consent from the patient to perform the initial pelvic examination. The written consent form must inform the patient that multiple pelvic examinations may be conducted during the course of her care and treatment at the facility.

Legislative History

s. 3, ch. 2020-31; s. 1, ch. 2021-126; s. 2, ch. 2025-156.