Reporting of AIDS and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Infection: A Worldwide Review of Legislative and Regulatory Patterns and Issues

• NCJ Number: 124648
• Journal: AIDS and Public Policy Journal Volume: 5 Issue: 1 Dated: (1990) Pages: 32-36
• Author(s): S S Fluss; D Zeegers
• Date Published: 1990
• Length: 5 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Legislation/Policy Analysis
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This analysis of legislation requiring reporting of AIDS in various countries notes that laws vary among jurisdictions and that the World Health Organization (WHO) has not made any recommendation regarding mandatory reporting of AIDS or HIV infection.

Abstract

Since 1983 many jurisdictions have adopted laws, regulations, and other legal instruments in response to the HIV/AIDS pandemic. Differences exist both within and between countries regarding systems for reporting HIV and AIDS, and it is clear that compliance with existing requirements is incomplete. So far WHO has identified HIV/AIDS in 80 nations. Some nations initially relied on voluntary reporting, and many jurisdictions strongly emphasize the maintenance of confidentiality in reporting procedures. Topics covered in reporting forms include the person's identity, date of birth sex, marital status, address, ethnic origin, clinical symptoms, diagnostic methods, sexual orientation, intravenous drug use, blood transfusions, prostitution, and hemophilia. 20 reference notes.