An ongoing dialogue on HIV/AIDS, infectious diseases,
August 20th, 2009
The V.A. Opts Out
Read all about it here:
As of August 17, 2009, written (signature) consent is no longer required for HIV testing in the VHA. Instead, patients will provide verbal informed consent prior to HIV testing. Furthermore, scripted pre-test and post-test counseling are no longer mandated.
Since the VA is the largest HIV provider in the nation — and has an exceptional electronic medical record/database — it will be fascinating to see how this policy influences new case detection, linkage to care, and whether there are any negative repurcussions.
Nice page of FAQs here. And though you’re sick of hearing from me on this issue, I totally agree with this move.
Paul E. Sax, MD
Contributing Editor
NEJM Journal Watch
Infectious Diseases
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