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New Law
Makes the HIV Testing Process Easier |
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On Wednesday, National
HIV Testing Day, Gov. Rod Blagojevich signed legislation that streamlines
HIV testing procedures in Illinois. The new law allows patients to give
verbal consent for the test, rather than filling out formal paperwork.
The legislation requires health care providers to supply patients with
pre-test information about HIV and how to interpret test results. Those
testing positive must be told of the results in person, and referrals to
appropriate counseling and medical providers must be given. Patients can
decline to be tested.
It is hoped the legislation will make HIV testing more common and increase
early detection. According to the AIDS Foundation of Chicago, up to 10,000
people in Illinois are believed to HIV-positive but do not know they are
infected. For some, said AFC lobbyist John Peller, diagnosis comes too late
for treatment to be effective. "It really becomes a tragedy of missed
opportunities," he said.
Sen. Carol Ronen (D-Chicago), a sponsor of the bill, said, "This puts us on
a path so there is less and less of a stigma attached to getting an HIV
test." Another sponsor, Rep. Greg Harris (D-Chicago), stressed the
importance of continuing to promote HIV prevention: "We can't deceive
ourselves that we can test our way out of the epidemic. We must also teach
our way out."
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Chicago Tribune
(06.28.07):: Monique Garcia |
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We are providing the above information as a public
service only. Providing synopses of key scientific articles and lay
media reports on HIV/AIDS, other sexually transmitted diseases
does not constitute endorsement. The above summaries were prepared
without conducting any additional research or investigation into the
facts and statements made in the articles being summarized, and
therefore readers are expressly cautioned against relying on the
validity or invalidity of any statements made in these summaries. This
CDC HIV/STD/TB Prevention News
Update also includes information from CDC and
other government agencies, such as background on MMWR articles, fact
sheets and announcements. |
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