California Governor Davis Signs Bill Adding HIV Care -- Needle Law Still on His DeskSeptember 19, 2002 California Gov. Gray Davis yesterday signed a new law modestly expanding the number of people with HIV who are eligible for state-paid health care, but he may veto a more significant AIDS-related bill allowing the purchase of up to 30 needles and syringes without a prescription.
Adapted from:Current law states that only disabled people with HIV are eligible to be treated under Medi-Cal, the state's health care program for the poor. The new law entitles low-income people with HIV to Medi-Cal benefits; it affects fewer than 1,700 lower-income Californians enrolled in the state's AIDS Drug Assistance Program. AIDS activists praised Davis' signature but also urged him to sign the needle bill. Davis' spokesperson said the governor has yet to take a position on the syringe bill. Its backers, however, claim that aides to Davis say he is reluctant to sign the bill without law enforcement support. The California Narcotics Officers Association, the California Police Chiefs Association and the California Peace Officers Association oppose the bill and say existing needle exchange programs are sufficient. The long list of public health groups and other supporters of the measure argue that it provides the most effective way to reduce the spread of HIV and hepatitis among intravenous drug users. Forty-four other states allow needle purchases without a prescription. Such laws have been signed by Democratic and Republican governors. Back to other CDC news for September 19, 2002 San Francisco Chronicle 09.19.02; Greg Lucas; Lynda Gledhill This article was provided by U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It is a part of the publication CDC HIV/Hepatitis/STD/TB Prevention News Update. |