Dr. Todd Lawsuits Lead to Federal Legislation Requiring Medical Chaperones for Patient Safety
"Protect Patients from Healthcare Abuse Act" is introduced in response to Lubin & Meyer’s sexual abuse cases against Dr. Derrick Todd
October 31, 2025
A new bill introduced by Congresswoman Lori Trahan and Representatives James P. McGovern and Debbie Dingell seeks to protect patients from abuse during sensitive medical procedures. The Protect Patients from Healthcare Abuse Act responds to recent high-profile cases of physician misconduct, including the abuse by Dr. Derrick Todd, a Massachusetts rheumatologist, and Oregon physician Dr. David Farley.
Lubin & Meyer's civil lawsuits against Dr. Todd representing more than 200 former patients along with investigative reporting by the Boston Globe Spotlight team has exposed dangerous gaps in patient protection and shown that abusive practices were allowed to continue despite repeated complaints.
Speaking in support of the legislation, Lubin & Meyer Attorney William J. Thompson, who is leading the civil actions against Todd, said:
“Having heard accounts from hundreds of patients regarding sexual abuse under the guise of performing sensitive exams, it is clear that a chaperone policy would have made a difference in preventing the abuse from occurring in many instances. This is a monumental moment to learn from the inexcusable abuse of patients which has already occurred, and take immediate action to help protect patients in the future.”
The legislation establishes nationwide standards, requiring healthcare providers to inform patients of their rights, including the ability to request a trained medical chaperone during sensitive exams. It also mandates clear informed consent, ensuring patients fully understand the risks, benefits, and alternatives before undergoing any procedure.
The bill applies to all Medicare-participating providers and defines "sensitive procedures" to include exams involving the genitalia, breasts, or rectal areas. By ensuring that trained chaperones are available and that informed consent is properly obtained, the legislation directly addresses the failures that allowed abuse to go unchecked in the past.
Survivors of physician abuse have strongly advocated for the bill, highlighting that these protections are essential to restoring trust in the healthcare system and ensuring patients feel safe when receiving care. The bill aims to provide much-needed safeguards, prevent further abuse, and strengthen the patient-provider relationship.
Read more about the proposed legislation.
Lubin & Meyer represents individuals and families in Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island.
Related news coverage of Lubin & Meyer representation in Dr. Derrick Todd lawsuits
Nearly 250 patients at top Mass. hospitals say they were abused by a renowned doctor. Why wasn’t he stopped sooner?
Boston Globe Spotlight Series
October 2, 2025
Medical chaperones could protect patients from abuse. More hospitals are using them
WBUR
February 24, 2025
Update on Dr. Derrick Todd’s Criminal Rape Indictment and Lubin & Meyer’s Ongoing Civil Sexual Assault Lawsuits Against Him
January 17, 2025
Number of people suing former Brigham rheumatologist accused of sexual abuse rises to 206
The Boston Globe
March 27, 2024
'They Felt Alone:' 88 Women Accuse Boston Doctor Of Sexual Abuse
Brigham and Women's former rheumatologist Derrick J. Todd "really had no business" doing pelvic exams, attorney Andrew C. Meyer told Patch
Patch
October 13, 2023
Here’s what to know about the allegations against Derrick Todd, ex-Brigham doctor accused of sexual abuse
The Boston Globe
October 13, 2023
More than 80 women file class action suit against ex-Brigham doctor accused of sexual abuse
The Boston Globe
October 12, 2023
Patients file class action against former Brigham and Women's doctor over allegations of repeated sexual assault
WCVB Channel 5 Boston
October 11, 2023
More than 60 former patients file class action suit against ex-Brigham doc accused of sexual abuse
Boston.com
October 11, 2023
Woman details alleged abuse by Brigham and Women's doctor
(News coverage features Attorney Andrew Meyer who is representing additional plaintiffs against Todd)
WBZ / CBS News Boston
October 10, 2023
Brigham and Women's Hospital Dr. Derrick Todd fired for allegedly sexually assaulting patients
WBZ / CBS News Boston
October 6, 2023
I-Team: Police investigating more than a dozen complaints of sex assault by Boston doctor
WBZ /CBS News Boston
October 6, 2023
Former Brigham and Women’s doctor faces allegations of inappropriate pelvic and breast exams
The Boston Globe
October 6, 2023
Are you a former patient of Dr. Todd?
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