NCJ Number
202283
Journal
Corrections Forum Volume: 12 Issue: 4 Dated: July/August 2003 Pages: 35-36,38,68,69
Editor(s)
Thomas S. Kapinos
Date Published
July 2003
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article discusses inmate HIV testing policies and initiatives in the corrections industry.
Abstract
HIV/AIDS is a widespread public health problem that disproportionately plagues corrections institutions. In Rhode Island, for example, almost one third of HIV cases in the State were identified in the correctional institution. As such, HIV testing of inmates has become a hotly debated topic. Most correctional institutions offer one of three forms of HIV testing: mandatory, routine, or voluntary. The article discusses the pros and cons of each type of testing policy. For example, while mandatory testing allows for the proper treatment of inmates with HIV and helps with the containment of the disease, critics view mandatory testing policies as an infringement on patient rights. The article offers statistics concerning the percentages of State and Federal prisons and local jails that offer some type of HIV testing. Next, HIV testing initiatives and inmate treatment proposals are described. Two of the more controversial proposals concerning HIV inmate care include the segregation of inmates with HIV into separate units within the correctional facility and the segregation of inmates with HIV into specialized care units. Proponents of such proposals claim that segregation allows for the proper care and treatment of inmates and also protects corrections officers and other inmates from possible exposure to the virus. Critics claim that segregation does not offer additional protection from the disease and serves to stigmatize the inmates who have the virus. Finally, issues of confidentiality and resistance to HIV testing by inmates are discussed.