Assembly Bill 11 mandates that hospitals in Wisconsin must obtain written informed consent from patients before performing pelvic examinations solely for educational purposes while the patient is under general anesthesia or otherwise unconscious. This requirement is established in a new statute, 50.373, which emphasizes the necessity of consent to protect patient rights and ensure ethical medical practices.
Additionally, the bill creates an administrative rule under DHS 124.10, which requires hospitals to maintain written policies and procedures that align with the informed consent requirement for these specific pelvic examinations. The legislation aims to enhance patient autonomy and safeguard against unauthorized medical procedures conducted on unconscious individuals. The act will take effect the day after publication, with specific provisions regarding the administrative code taking effect as outlined in existing law.