Starting January 1, 2027, AB 849 requires clinics and GACHs that are not owned or operated by the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation and who perform ultrasound examinations to notify patients that a medical chaperone will be made available upon a patient's request during any ultrasound involving the genital, breast, rectal, or groin areas.

Clinics and GACHs must inform the patient of their right to a medical chaperone verbally, electronically, and in hard copy, and to provide a chaperone, if requested. If a patient is receiving emergency services and care, the clinic or GACH must inform the patient when feasible if an ultrasound is used during the provision of emergency care.

The providers must educate sonographers and medical chaperones about appropriate observational and intervention techniques, how to properly drape a patient, the importance of neutrality, and reporting procedures.

The information in this AFL is a brief summary of the provisions of AB 849. Facilities are responsible for following all applicable laws. CDPH's failure to expressly notify facilities of statutory or regulatory requirements does not relieve facilities of their responsibility for following all laws and regulations. Facilities should refer to the full text of all applicable sections of the Health and Safety Code and Title 22 of the California Code of Regulations.

If you have any questions about this AFL, please contact your local district office.

Sincerely,

Original signed by Mandi Posner

Mandi Posner
Deputy Director