A chaperone’s role regarding intimate examinations (those involving breast, genitalia or rectum), is both to protect patients from abuse, as well as to protect medical care providers from false allegations. Due to the potential liability issues, medical students cannot serve as a chaperone for intimate examinations. This does not preclude medical students from performing or for being present for such examinations as part of their educational experience.
Last modified: 07/08/2021.