AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — A Maine legislative committee has approved a proposal designed to protect patients from non-consensual pelvic exams.

The Maine Legislature's Committee on Health Coverage, Insurance and Financial Services approved the proposal by Democratic Rep. Vicki Doudera of Camden on Tuesday. She said the proposal would protect patients' privacy.

The proposal requires physicians to receive informed consent before administering or supervising pelvic examinations on anesthetized or unconscious patients. It includes a provision that allows medical professionals to perform the exams without consent in emergency situations.

The proposal would allow apply to rectal and prostate exams. It is scheduled to move on to the full legislature for approval.