A Democratic bill with 2 Democratic cosponsors · See all 2 cosponsors
Last activity — Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The "Protect Patients from Healthcare Abuse Act" aims to amend the Social Security Act regarding Medicare. It establishes new standards for informed consent and the use of chaperones for service providers. Starting January 1, 2026, Medicare providers must follow specific requirements for written notifications and staff training. Patients must be informed of their rights to participate in care and request a chaperone during sensitive procedures. Providers are also required to educate staff on how to act as chaperones and identify sensitive procedures.
Yes· 3 of 9
- Scored +4
Would people over 65 be better off under this?
Improves healthcare standards and rights for Medicare beneficiaries receiving medical care.
- Scored +4
Would women be better off under this?
Provides specific chaperone safeguards and rights for individuals undergoing sensitive gynecological or breast examinations.
- Scored +4
Would retired people be better off under this?
Benefits Medicare-eligible retirees by enforcing rigorous patient rights and safety standards.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Enhanced Patient Rights: Individuals receiving medical care will have the right to be informed of their health status, be involved in care planning, and provide informed consent before services are given (Section 2, paragraph 2).
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Increased Safety and Comfort during Procedures: Patients can request a chaperone during sensitive procedures to ensure a comfortable and safe environment (Section 2, paragraph 2(D) and paragraph 4(A)(ii)).
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Protection Against Abuse: Chaperones are tasked with acting as witnesses to procedures and reporting sexual abuse to a designated supervisor (Section 2, paragraph 4(A)(i) and (iii)).
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Clearer Understanding of Care: The requirement for informed consent ensures that individuals understand the risks, benefits, and alternatives of the items or services being provided (Section 2, paragraph 4(B)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No specific negative impacts are explicitly detailed in the text provided.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would retired people be better off under this? — Benefits Medicare-eligible retirees by enforcing rigorous patient rights and safety standards. Would people over 65 be better off under this? — Improves healthcare standards and rights for Medicare beneficiaries receiving medical care. Would women be better off under this? — Provides specific chaperone safeguards and rights for individuals undergoing sensitive gynecological or breast examinations.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this protect people from being watched or searched? — Strengthens patient bodily autonomy and privacy protections during sensitive medical exams. Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — Mandates written notification and policies regarding patient rights and informed consent. Does this give the federal government more power? — Imposes federal conditions of participation on Medicare service providers regarding patient rights and chaperones.
- Healthcare
- Does this make health care easier to get in general? — Establishes new conditions of participation for Medicare providers requiring informed consent procedures and chaperone availability.
- Economy And Finance
- Does this give people more protection from unfair business practices? — Enhances protections for patients by mandating written notification of rights and chaperone options during sensitive medical procedures.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this narrow the gap between how men and women are treated? — Protects patients, particularly women undergoing sensitive examinations, from potential abuse by mandating chaperone standards.
- 10/31/2025
- Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
Debbie DingellDemocrat · Michigan
James McGovernDemocrat · Massachusetts