59MDWI44-175 governs chaperone policies and procedures for 59th Medical Wing personnel, supporting patient privacy, modesty, and examination safeguards.
View 59MDWI44-175 on armypubs.army.mil
The publication addresses patient and provider rights involving chaperones, including requests, sensitive examinations, declined chaperones, and alternate care arrangements. It requires education, staff and volunteer training, documented volunteer training, posted chaperone policy information, and reporting procedures for suspected misconduct.
Applies to: This instruction applies to all personnel assigned, attached, or on contract to the 59th Medical Wing (59 MDW) with the exception of the 959 Medical Group, Air National Guard, or Air Force Reserve.
Patients of both sexes have the right to a chaperone.
Clinic personnel have a responsibility to inform patients that they may always request a chaperone be present for any physical exam. (paragraph 1)
Prior to examining potentially sensitive areas such as the genitalia, rectum, or the breast, a provider must again offer the patient a chaperone. (paragraph 1)
Patients may decline the right to be chaperoned and this should be carefully documented in the patient’s medical record. (paragraph 1)
During emergencies or life threatening situations, medical personnel are not required to offer the presence of a chaperone. (paragraph 2)