Implementing routine HIV testing: the role of state law.
In September 2006, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended routine HIV testing for all Americans aged 13-64, which would eliminate requirements for written consent and pretest counseling as previously required. However, this approach may conflict with state requirements concerning pretest counseling and informed consent for HIV testing. Our survey of state HIV testing laws demonstrates that the majority of states have HIV testing requirements that are inconsistent with the CDC's recommendations. Moreover, states that have recently amended their laws have not eased the requirements for pretest counseling and informed consent. The reasons for the persistence of these legal requirements must be understood to effect policy changes to increase HIV testing.
Wolf
Leslie E
LE
Program in Medical Ethics, Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America. lwolf@gsu.edu
Donoghoe
Alexis
A
Lane
Tim
T
D015492:AIDS Serodiagnosis / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002487:Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S.; D003219:Confidentiality; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000175:diagnosis; D015528:HIV Seroprevalence; D006291:Health Policy; D006801:Humans; D007258:Informed Consent; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D008875:Middle Aged; D014481:United States