Florida Now Requires Written Consent for All Pelvic Exams

By: David Davidson

As of July 1, 2020, all Florida health care providers, and providers in training, are now required to obtain written consent from their patients (or their legal representatives) before performing a pelvic exam.  The only exceptions to this requirement are when the exam is done pursuant to a court order, or in cases of emergency.  Given the broad application of the new law, it is imperative for any provider who may need to perform a pelvic exam on a patient, even if it’s a fairly rare occurrence, to be ready to obtain the consent.

The law grew out of concerns for improper actions taken against sedated patients.  And as initially proposed, it only covered pelvic exams performed in training settings.  However, the legislature expanded the scope to include all settings and all providers.Continue reading

Board of Medicine: New Rule Regarding Adequacy of Medical Records for Compounded Medication

gavelThe Florida Board of Medicine reviewed Rule 64B8-9.003, Florida Administrative Code which provides standards for the adequacy of medical records.  The underlined portions below are the new standards required for medical records as it relates to compounded medications.  These standards are effective September 9, 2013.Continue reading