AG Platkin announced that the Division of Consumer Affairs (“Division”) has alerted physicians statewide of their obligations under new rules adopted by the State Board of Medical Examiners (“Board”) to enhance patient safety during sensitive medical examinations.

The alert, emailed to more than 67,000 New Jersey-licensed physicians, notifies licensees of new Board rules requiring them to raise awareness of patients’ right to have an observer present during breast, pelvic, genitalia, and rectal exams; ensure that all patients—including those with limited English proficiency—understand their rights before the exam begins; and provide observers with information on how to report physician misconduct. The new rules, which amend the Board’s existing rules regarding observers of sensitive exams, found at N.J.A.C. 13:35–6.23, are part of ongoing reforms by the Office of the Attorney General to combat sexual abuse and misconduct in professional settings.

“We are committed to ensuring patient safety and preventing sexual misconduct in medical offices across the state.  Doing so is necessary to protect public welfare and uphold the integrity of New Jersey’s healthcare profession. Through our continued efforts, we are making New Jersey safer and empowering patients to protect themselves from harm.” – AG Platkin