NCJ Number
108437
Journal
Journal of the American Medical Association Volume: 258 Issue: 17 Dated: (November 6, 1987) Pages: 2410-2414
Date Published
1987
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This review of State laws related to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) through October 6, 1987, focuses on antibody testing, blood and blood products, confidentiality, employment, housing, informed consent, insurance, marriage, prison population, and reporting.
Abstract
Laws pertaining to antibody testing generally encompass the circumstances under which persons may be voluntarily or involuntarily tested for the AIDS antibody. In an attempt to ensure that persons requiring blood transfusions do not receive AIDS-contaminated blood, many States have passed laws making it possible for persons to develop blood supplies from persons known to them. Confidentiality laws generally prohibit public access to medical records without a patient's consent. Employment and housing laws are designed to prohibit employer AIDS antibody testing of employees and housing discrimination against persons with AIDS. States have also enacted laws requiring written informed consent of a test subject before a health care facility can perform an AIDS antibody test. Fifteen States have authorized a risk-sharing or reinsurance association to offer health insurance at a reasonable cost to persons uninsurable by conventional underwriting standards. Other laws mandate AIDS antibody testing prior to marriage, testing for prison inmates, and the reporting to public health officials of any positive test for the AIDS antibody. 4 references.