A latest study shows that the majority of U.S. states prevent the doctors from testing their patients for HIV on a regular basis. It seems like these states are not in a hurry to change things.
So, they are clearly violating a Federal health warning for HIV.
The new testing guidelines were issued last year by the Center for Disease Control or the CDC. Almost a year later, things are pretty much the same and the states don’t seem to take the CDC warning seriously.
Although, about half a dozen states have simplified the laws regarding HIV testing.
For other states like California, the legislation is still pending.
The U.S. health agency recommends that adults under the age 65 be tested for HIV. Roughly, about 250,000 Americans don’t yet know for sure that they are HIV positive.
The latest study published in the PLoS gives the readers an idea of the legal barriers. 33 states require informed consent for HIV testing, and 24 others need disclosure of information and disease.
The problem seems to be lying mostly in the U.S. legislation system. Personally, I feel that the clash between the U.S. state and federal legislatures is what has created this mess.
Had there been no state laws, things would have been simple. Hopefully, the states will pay more attention to HIV testing and heed to the CDC warning.
Image Credit: Friendtofriend
