Patients must be told a chaperone is available for sensitive ultrasound exams
Providers offering sonographer ultrasounds of the genitals, breasts, rectum or groin must tell patients a medical chaperone is available on request and record when one is present. They must train staff who act as chaperones and can decline the exam without one.
Who it affects
Health facilities, clinics and sonographers, and their patients
When
This law took effect on January 1, 2026, but the changes described here start on January 1, 2027.
- : Signed into law
- : Law took effect
- : The changes described here start to apply
Official text
California AB 849: Health providers: medical chaperones.
On California Legislative Information. The official text is what counts; read it before you act.
Not legal advice. Plain-English summaries to help you find what changes and when. Not legal advice: read the official text, and ask a lawyer about your situation.