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Pelvic exams at hospitals require written consent, new U.S. guidelines say 

The rule targets intimate exams performed under anesthesia for teaching purposes 

A woman with black hair sits on a white hospital bed with her back to the camera. She is wearing a blue hospital gown. Now, people at hospitals must obtain consent prior to intimate exams.

According to new federal guidance, before any kind of intimate exam, like a pelvic or rectal exam, hospitals need to get patients’ informed consent in writing.

Sorrasak Jar Tinyo/moment/getty images

By Meghan Rosen

Before patients undergo intimate physical exams, including ones performed under anesthesia, hospitals must obtain written informed consent — or risk federal funding.