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AMA Supports Routine HIV Tests While Emphasizing on Protecting Patient Privacy.

by Medindia Content Team on Nov 19 2007 1:21 PM

The HIV testing policy of the American Medical Association was recently updated. The updated version has the guidelines for supporting routine HIV test whilst continuing to promote protection of patient privacy and autonomy.

"Understanding and treatment of HIV has grown substantially over the past few decades," Ardis Hoven, an AMA board member, said, adding, "new policy calls on physicians to routinely test consenting adult patients for HIV and reflects the reality that if HIV is detected early patients can lead full and productive lives"

CDC in September 2006 released revised recommendations on HIV testing in the U.S. The recommendations advise that HIV tests become a routine part of medical care for residents ages 13 to 64 and that requirements for written consent and pretest counseling be dropped. According to a study published last month in PLoS One, more than 30 states have laws that hamper doctors from implementing the recommendations.

Source-Kaiser Family Foundation
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