By: Richard L. Smith
New Jersey’s Division of Consumer Affairs has issued a statewide alert to physicians outlining new requirements designed to strengthen patient protections during sensitive medical examinations, according to information released by the Office of the Attorney General.
The notice, distributed via email to more than 67,000 licensed physicians across New Jersey, details new rules adopted by the State Board of Medical Examiners that expand patient rights during breast, pelvic, genital, and rectal examinations.
The updated regulations require physicians to ensure patients are informed of their right to have an observer present and that they fully understand those rights before any sensitive exam begins.
The rules also emphasize accessibility, requiring that all patients—including those with limited English proficiency, are properly informed.
Physicians must provide observers with guidance on how to report any alleged misconduct to the Board.
The changes amend existing regulations under N.J.A.C. 13:35–6.23 and are part of a broader effort by the Attorney General’s Office to prevent sexual abuse and misconduct in professional settings.
“We are committed to ensuring patient safety and preventing sexual misconduct in medical offices across the state,” Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin said. “Doing so is necessary to protect public welfare and uphold the integrity of New Jersey’s healthcare profession.”
Elizabeth M. Harris, Acting Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs, said the alert is intended to ensure physicians understand and comply with the updated requirements. “We are using all available tools—including the regulatory authority of our licensing boards—to ensure patients are treated with dignity and respect behind the closed doors of exam rooms,” Harris said.
Among the key provisions of the new rules are requirements that physicians provide patients with written notice of their right to an observer and post that notice conspicuously in all practice locations not licensed by the New Jersey Department of Health.
The notice must be available in English, Spanish, and other languages identified as commonly spoken by significant portions of the state’s population.
Physicians are also required to confirm that patients have read and understood the notice prior to proceeding with a sensitive examination.
The updated rules remove gender-specific language to ensure observer rights apply to all patients regardless of gender identity or expression.
Additionally, physicians must provide observers with information on reporting misconduct.
Beginning April 18, 2026, physicians will be required to use observers who have completed approved training to ensure they are properly equipped to serve as an effective safeguard during sensitive exams.
The Board’s latest action follows additional reforms adopted in May 2025, when physicians were mandated to complete two continuing medical education credits focused on sexual misconduct prevention. 
Those topics include informed consent, power dynamics in healthcare settings, bystander intervention, mandatory reporting, and recognizing human trafficking.
Officials say the measures reflect New Jersey’s ongoing commitment to strengthening patient safety and accountability in medical practice statewide.