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For Immediate
Release
4/27/11
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Senate Passes Erickson Bill to Streamline
Routine HIV Screening
Measure is
based on recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control.
Harrisburg –
Legislation sponsored by state Sen. Ted Erickson (R-26) to implement
recommendations of health experts to streamline HIV testing in Pennsylvania
was approved by the Senate today.
Senate Bill 260
amends Act 148 of 1990, the "Confidentiality of HIV-Related Information
Act." Erickson originally introduced the legislation in response to
recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to
streamline the testing process.
When Act 148
was enacted, HIV testing was primarily targeted at individuals from
high-risk populations and blood donors. The act was designed to guarantee
privacy, confidentiality and education for those tested. These goals were
to be ensured by the requirement for pre-test counseling which included
education about HIV prevention, and for signed informed consent.
In September of
2007, the CDC issued its "Revised Recommendations for HIV Testing" which
called for routine HIV screening of all persons in a healthcare setting.
"Although Act
148's written informed consent provision was important when it was first
implemented, it has become an impediment to Pennsylvania's ability to meet
the CDC's recommendations for routine testing," Erickson said.
Senate Bill 260
would eliminate the requirement for pre-test counseling, and provide for an
"opt-out" provision, whereby a patient is advised that a blood test will
include testing for HIV unless he or she refuses.
"This procedure
will prioritize identifying individuals who are unaware of their HIV status
and getting them into treatment, while sustaining the fundamental voluntary
nature of HIV screening," he said.
Senate Bill 260
will be sent to the House of Representatives for consideration.
In addition to
being recommended by the CDC, the measure is supported by the Pennsylvania
Medical Society and the Hospital and Healthsystem Association of
Pennsylvania.
CONTACT:
Tom Golden
tgolden@pasen.gov
(610-853-4100)
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