UC Merced Chaperone Policy
At UC Merced Student Health Services, our mission is to facilitate student retention, academic advancement, and graduation by maintaining your maximum health and well-being. One way to support students is through our Chaperone Policy, which sets a consistent standard for patient care.
A chaperone is a trained healthcare professional who assists patients and providers (Physician, Nurse Practitioner, or Physician Assistant) in completing sensitive exams and procedures in a consistent, safe and respectful manner. A trained chaperone is present to provide comfort and reassurance through the exam/procedure. As defined in our policy, a chaperone will always be present during sensitive exams/procedures. As defined in our policy, a chaperone will always be present during sensitive exams/procedures. A chaperone is always available for any patient during any exam/procedure. Individuals may decline a chaperone. SHS providers will not perform sensitive exams or procedures without a chaperone. In cases where a patient declines a chaperone, alternate care options will be discussed.
