Obviously you wouldn't allow the husband inside, but after staring at this question for way too long, I reasoned that you wouldn't tell him to leave for 2 reasons:
It might clue him in to the fact that she told you about the abuse, and he will leash out on her if he gets the chance.
If she wants to call the police and press charges it will be better that you know where he is.
ok the way i looked at this was:
youre not 100% sure she was attacked nor do you want to be the person telling the husband hes an attacker so you remove: B C
allowing him in with the patient, god knows what that guy has hidden with him also you will make a huge scene : A
the only thing to do is be diplomatic as people know they arent allowed in the treatment area and by that you assure her saftey.
The prevailing rule of American medicine (and law) is individual autonomy, otherwise known as liberty. In American law, no other person, professional or otherwise, is granted “default access” or privilege to another person’s body—that includes the physician! (It even includes spouses! That’s why, in American law, you can be married to someone and still be charged with sexual assault/rape; marriage ≠ your spouse surrendering “bodily rights”.) The physician must receive consent from “a (conscious) person” before they become “a (conscious) patient”. In the same way, the person (now, patient) must give consent before anyone else is permitted to be involved in his or her care—spouses included!
submitted by ∗dr.xx(176)
right. he absolutely must remain in the waiting area so that he is at hand to attack his wife whenever her exam ends. go NBME!