The Division of Consumer Affairs has notified more than 67,000 physicians in New Jersey about new requirements aimed at protecting patients during sensitive medical examinations. The updated rules, established by the State Board of Medical Examiners, focus on ensuring that patients are aware of their right to have an observer present during breast, pelvic, genitalia, and rectal exams. Physicians must also make sure all patients—including those with limited English proficiency—understand these rights before the exam begins.
Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin said, “We are committed to ensuring patient safety and preventing sexual misconduct in medical offices across the state. Doing so is necessary to protect public welfare and uphold the integrity of New Jersey’s healthcare profession. Through our continued efforts, we are making New Jersey safer and empowering patients to protect themselves from harm.”
Elizabeth M. Harris, Acting Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs, added, “We are using all available tools – including the regulatory powers of our licensing boards – to ensure New Jersey patients are treated with dignity and respect behind the closed doors of exam rooms. By issuing this alert, we’re making sure that physicians statewide are aware of the new rules and what they must do to comply.”
The revised regulations require physicians to provide written notice to patients about their right to have an observer present during sensitive exams and display this notice clearly in every location where they offer professional services—except for health care facilities licensed by the New Jersey Department of Health. Notices must be available in English, Spanish, and other languages commonly spoken in New Jersey.
Physicians must confirm that each patient has read and understood this notice before starting a sensitive examination. The rules also remove references to specific genders when describing who can request an observer, extending these rights regardless of gender identity or expression.
Observers will receive information on how to report physician misconduct to the Board. Starting April 18, 2026, only observers who have completed a training course will be permitted for these examinations.
These changes build on previous measures taken by the Board. In May 2025, new rules were adopted requiring physicians to complete continuing education on topics related to sexual misconduct prevention.
Information on how patients can file a complaint about sexual misconduct involving a licensed professional is available at https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/sexual-misconduct-complaint.