U.S. News Bill to Simplify HIV Testing Consent in New York Does Not Go Far Enough, Some Advocates SayApril 16, 2009 A lawmaker in New York state has proposed a bill that aims to simplify HIV testing consent requirements, the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle reports. According to the Democrat and Chronicle, some minority groups are opposing the legislation because the paperwork it still requires could pose a barrier for minorities, who are disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS. The groups say the permission requirement should be removed altogether. "What we're saying is routine testing is when you go to a doctor and get a blood work-up, and HIV should be among those (illnesses) tested," C. Virginia Fields, CEO and president of the NBLCA, said. Catherine Abate -- president CEO of the Community Healthcare Network, which has nine health centers in New York City and completes about 18,000 HIV tests annually -- said the organization has not found informed consent to be a barrier to HIV testing. Assembly Health Committee Chair Richard Gottfried (D) said some parts of the paperwork process might be cumbersome, but the legislation allows for people to be tested while maintaining important patient protections (Matthews, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle, 4/12).
![]() Making HIV Testing Routine in the Heart of Harlem: Creating Unique Partnerships to Promote HIV Prevention and Testing ![]()
|