CMA-Sponsored Legislation To Facilitate Routine HIV Screening Signed Into Law, USA

Main Category: HIV / AIDS
Article Date: 17 Oct 2007 - 6:00 PDT

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Legislation sponsored by the physicians of the California Medical Association to help make HIV testing a routine part of medical care was signed by Governor Schwarzenegger Friday. Assembly Bill 682 is intended to facilitate routine screening for HIV in all health care settings, as recommended by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

More than 250,000 Americans -- including about 40,000 Californians -- do not know they are infected with HIV and could be unknowingly infecting others. In addition, these individuals are not getting timely treatment that can prevent the onset of AIDS and dramatically extend their lives. AB 682 was jointly uthored by Patty Berg, D-Eureka; Assemblywoman Bonnie Garcia, R-Cathedral City; and Assemblyman Jared Huffman, D-San Rafael.

In order to achieve routine screening in California, AB 682 will establish a simpler and more appropriate standard of consent for this straightforward blood test, which will save time and encourage health care providers to comply with CDC guidelines and make HIV screening a routine part of their health care delivery. At the same time, AB 682 will still ensure that patients are aware of the test and that they may opt out of screening.

"We enthusiastically applaud the Governor's action today on this life-saving bill," said Anmol S. Mahal, president of the CMA. "This simple yet historic change will help stem the spread of HIV and will ensure that more people receive treatment. Too many people are still learning of their HIV status only because they have sought out health care for a different illness."

Several studies have demonstrated that existing risk-based testing strategies are not sufficient in identifying HIV-positive persons. In fact, many people with HIV often receive health care numerous times before they are ever diagnosed. This data prompted the CDC to make the shift toward routine screening for all.

"After years of treating HIV differently than other diseases, we need a cultural shift to ensure that HIV screening becomes routine, and AB 682 is a critical step in that direction," said Dr. Mahal. "A person's awareness of his or her HIV status leads to treatment, better survival rates, and prevention of transmission. Early detection and intervention save lives."

AB 682 had broad support from medical, public health and AIDS advocacy organizations and received only one "no" vote throughout the legislative process. The bill will take effect on January 1, 2008.

The California Medical Association, with more than 30,000 members, represents the patients and physicians of California.

California Medical Association

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