Introduction:
Patients have the right to have another person present while a physical examination is being performed on them
The other person present may be a family member, medical staff member or anyone else of the patient's choosing
Since 2014 the patient is entitled to the presence of another person as s/he chooses, in any medical procedure, not only during examination
For more information see Medical Administration Circular no. 40/2001
Patients have the right to have another person present while a physical examination is being performed on them.
- The other person present may be a family member, medical staff member or anyone else of the patient's choosing.
- The option of having another medical staff member present is dependent on availability of such a staff member when the examination is being performed.
- In 2014 the right to a chaperone was expanded, and the patient is now entitled to the presence of another person for any medical procedure.
Who is Eligible?
- All patients.
How to Claim It?
- Patients being examined are entitled to request the presence of a family member or anyone else of their choosing during a physical examination.
Presence of a Family Member During Doctor's Rounds
- The law does not establish the right of a family member to be present while doctors are performing their departmental rounds, and hospitals are not obligated to permit family members to be present at those times.
- In the event that a family member wishes to receive an explanation regarding the patient's condition, hospitals usually have procedures for requesting an appointment with a senior physician/department head during established reception hours.
Physical Examination of Minors
- Parents have the right to be present when a physical examination is performed on their child. For more information, see: Presence of a Family Member During Physical Examinations and Medical Treatment of Minors.
Please Note
- Family members and those accompanying patients have no legal standing in the healthcare system.
- During physical examinations of minors, the helpless, the unconscious, or the mentally ill, the patient's legal guardian or a medical staff member must be present in addition to the person performing the examination.
Aid Organizations
- The Mazor Clinical Center - Providing legal advice regarding patients rights in Israel
- The Society for Patients Rights in Israel
- Haverim L'Refuah (Friends for Health) - Assistance in finding and purchasing medications
- Physicians for Human Rights - Israel
- The Dolev Foundation for Medical Justice
- For a comprehensive list of health and illness aid organizations
Government agencies
Laws & Regulations
- The Patient's Rights Law
- Medical Administration Circular 40/2001 from 15.07.2001 - Physical examinations in private
- Medical Administration Circular 4/2004 from 18.02.2004 - Unaccompanied visits of minors at primary care clinics
Credits
- Original information written by the IMA.
- English translation and maintenance by The Shira Pransky Project.