The Division of Consumer Affairs has notified over 67,000 physicians in New Jersey about new rules set by the State Board of Medical Examiners to increase patient safety during sensitive medical exams. These regulations require doctors to inform patients of their right to have an observer present during breast, pelvic, genitalia, and rectal examinations. The rules also ensure that all patients, including those with limited English proficiency, understand these rights before the exam starts. Observers must receive information on how to report physician misconduct.
Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin stated, “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.”
Elizabeth M. Harris, Acting Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs, added, “We are using all available tools – including the regulatory powers of our licensing boards – to ensure New Jersey patients are treated with dignity and respect behind the closed doors of exam rooms. By issuing this alert, we’re making sure that physicians statewide are aware of the new rules and what they must do to comply.”
The updated regulations require physicians to give patients a written notice about their right to have an observer present during sensitive exams and display this notice prominently at every practice location except for facilities licensed by the New Jersey Department of Health. Notices must be available in English, Spanish, and other languages commonly spoken in New Jersey. Physicians must confirm that patients have read and understood these notices before beginning any sensitive examination.
To make these protections inclusive, references to “males” or “females” have been removed so that all patients have these rights regardless of gender identity or expression. Physicians must also provide observers with information on how they can report misconduct.
Starting April 18, 2026, only observers who have completed a training course will be permitted during such exams so they can effectively monitor physician conduct.
In May 2025, further measures were introduced requiring physicians to complete two hours of continuing education focused on sexual misconduct prevention. Topics include understanding various forms of sexual misconduct, obtaining informed consent for sensitive procedures, interacting with victims of abuse or harassment, recognizing power dynamics in healthcare settings, promoting bystander intervention and reporting duties, as well as identifying cases related to human trafficking.
Those wishing to file a complaint about sexual misconduct involving a licensed professional can find more information at https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/sexual-misconduct-complaint.
