PHMC - Policies

Effective Date: November 4, 2008

College Contact: Dr. Janet L. Wright, Assistant Registrar

Print or download (PDF Format)

Physician Health 
Monitoring Program

• Overview
• FAQs
• Back to Policies &
  Procedures

It is recommended that physician’s have a chaperone present when conducting intimate examinations of patients. Pelvic and breast examinations can be particularly sensitive for many female patients. At times physicians are required by the CPSA to have a chaperone present during the examination of patients who are required to disrobe.

Some physicians have a person with a medical background working in their offices or clinics but many physicians do not. Non medical personnel may be asked to chaperone an examination but may not have the medical knowledge to determine the appropriateness of the examination.

This can be additionally complicated by the fact that in many circumstances the chaperone is in the employ of the physician and may feel hesitant to comment if they have concerns.

The CPSA has developed a training course for chaperones to help them understand the roles and responsibilities of a chaperone. This course is available to any of the physician’s office staff. The CPSA may require that a physician send a staff member to this course.