26-283m New State-Mandated Chaperone Requirements for Sensitive Ultrasound Exams Start January 1, 2027
Date: 03/16/26
Providers must implement notification, training and documentation procedures
Beginning January 1, 2027, California Assembly Bill (AB) 849 requires physicians, practitioners and other providers who perform sensitive ultrasound examinations to follow new state‑mandated notification, training and documentation procedures. These requirements apply to physician, practitioner and other provider practices only and do not change member benefits, coverage or reimbursement.
What you need to know
Sensitive examination means any of the following areas:
- genitalia, breast, rectum, pubic or groin region.
Physicians, practitioners and other providers who perform ultrasound examinations of sensitive areas must:
- Notify patients that a trained medical chaperone is available upon request.
- Notification may be provided verbally, electronically or in writing.
- If provided verbally, it is required to document that verbal notice was given.
- Provide a medical chaperone upon patient request for the entirety of the ultrasound exam if any portion of the exam is considered sensitive.
- Document the presence of a medical chaperone in the patient’s medical record when one is provided.
- Document the use of a chaperone when requested by the patient.
- Documentation must be included in the patient’s medical record.
- Ensure appropriate training for staff who serve as medical chaperones.
- Staff acting as chaperones must meet training expectations outlined below.
Medical chaperone requirements
Staff who act as medical chaperones must:
- Be a trained employee of the physician, practitioner or other provider.
- Receive provider‑led education and training that includes:
- Appropriate observation and intervention techniques.
- Proper patient draping.
- The importance of neutrality.
- Reporting procedures for any inappropriate behaviors observed or communicated by the patient.
Both clinical and non-clinical staff who may serve as medical chaperones are required to receive this training.
Prepare for 2027 compliance
You are strongly encouraged to review workflows, staff training protocols, and documentation processes now to ensure readiness for the 2027 compliance date.
More information on AB 849
For additional information on AB 849, visit AB-849 Health providers: medical chaperones.
Need help? Contact us
If you have questions regarding the information contained in this update, contact the Health Net Provider Services Center by email, by phone or through the Health Net provider portal.
Provider Services
Line of business | Phone number | |
|---|---|---|
Ambetter from Health Net IFP Ambetter PPO | ||
Ambetter HMO | ||
Health Net Employer Group HMO, POS, & PPO | ||
Medicare (Individual & Employer Group) (Wellcare By Health Net) | ||
Medicare Supplement | ||
Medi-Cal (including CS and ECM providers) | N/A |
This information applies to Physicians, Practitioners, Participating Physician Groups (PPGs), Hospitals, Ancillary Providers, Community Supports (CS) Providers, and Enhanced Care Management (ECM) Providers.
For Medi-Cal, this information applies to Amador, Calaveras, Inyo, Los Angeles, Molina, Mono, Sacramento, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Tulare and Tuolumne counties.