Clinic Policy: Written Consent for Treatments Involving Sensitive Areas or Partial Undress


Richardson’s Wellbeing Clinic

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that all patients are treated with respect, dignity, and professionalism, particularly during any treatment that may involve partial undress or work on sensitive areas of the body. This policy outlines how explicit written consent will be obtained, recorded, and reviewed before and during such treatments.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all practitioners, associates, and staff working at Richardson’s Wellbeing Clinic. It applies to all forms of manual therapy, including osteopathy, massage, physiotherapy, or other body-based treatments where physical contact with a patient occurs.

3. Guiding Principles

  • All patients have the right to privacy, dignity, and informed choice.
  • Consent must be informed, voluntary, specific, and documented.
  • Consent is an ongoing process — not a single signature.
  • Patients may withdraw consent at any time without affecting their care or relationship with the clinic.
  • Practitioners must exercise sensitivity, professionalism, and transparency at all times.

4. Definition of “Sensitive Areas”

For the purposes of this policy, sensitive areas include (but are not limited to):

  • The chest and breast area
  • The gluteal (buttock) region
  • The pelvic region
  • The upper inner thigh
  • Any area requiring removal or adjustment of undergarments or towels

5. Consent Procedures

a. Explanation Prior to Treatment

Before commencing any treatment involving sensitive areas or partial undress, the practitioner must:

  • Clearly explain the purpose, technique, and clinical justification for working in that area.
  • Describe what clothing removal (if any) is necessary and how the area will be appropriately covered with towels or drapes.
  • Check that the patient fully understands the explanation and has no concerns.

b. Obtaining Written Consent

  • Patients must provide written consent using the clinic’s “Sensitive Area Treatment Consent Form” prior to such treatment.
  • The form must outline:
  • The anatomical area to be treated
  • The clinical rationale for the treatment
  • The method of draping and steps taken to protect modesty
  • Confirmation that the patient understands and consents to proceed
  • A copy of the signed consent form is stored securely in the patient’s clinical record.

c. Ongoing Verbal Consent

  • Practitioners must continue to seek verbal consent throughout the treatment — particularly when moving to new areas or techniques.
  • Practitioners must immediately stop treatment if the patient shows discomfort or withdraws consent.

d. Use of Chaperones

  • Patients may request a chaperone at any time for treatments involving sensitive areas or partial undress.
  • If a chaperone is present, their name and role must be recorded in the treatment notes.
  • Practitioners must proactively offer this option to all patients.

6. Practitioner Responsibilities

All practitioners must:

  • Maintain professionalism and transparency at all times.
  • Ensure that patient modesty is preserved using appropriate draping and positioning.
  • Avoid any commentary or behaviour that could be perceived as inappropriate or non-clinical.
  • Record all consent discussions and patient preferences accurately in the clinical notes.

7. Patient Rights

Patients have the right to:

  • Decline treatment involving any area they are uncomfortable with.
  • Request the presence of a chaperone.
  • Stop treatment or withdraw consent at any time.
  • Ask for additional information before consenting to any procedure.

8. Review and Compliance

  • All practitioners will receive annual training in obtaining informed consent and maintaining professional boundaries.
  • This policy will be reviewed every 12 months or earlier if GOsC standards or legislative requirements change.



Approved by: Alistair Richardson, Clinical Director
Date: 1st October 2025
Review Date: 30th September 2026