Bill to prevent nonconsensual exams becomes law in Maine

Maine state law now includes new protections to prevent patients from experiencing nonconsensual medical exams.

Democratic Rep. Vicki Doudera of Camden proposed a law requiring physicians and other care providers to receive informed consent prior to administering or supervising a pelvic, rectal or prostate exam on an anesthetized or unconscious patient. Democratic Gov. Janet Mills signed the proposal into law on March 17.

The new law includes a provision that allows health care professionals to perform the exams without consent in the event of an emergency when the patient in unconscious. The new law will officially go on the state’s books on June 16.

Doudera said the proposal “gives Mainers more control and confidence in their medical procedures.”