Posted on 07/02/2002 1:29:55 PM PDT by chance33_98
State starts process of reporting new HIV cases Sentinel staff and wire report SAN FRANCISCO — California joined most of the nation’s other states Monday in reporting new cases of HIV infection, an effort officials hope will help identify which demographic groups are suffering most from the virus.
California’s system will differ from the 33 states that track HIV by reporting patients’ names. Instead, the system is similar to coding methods used in Maryland, Illinois, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Vermont and Puerto Rico.
California’s system, authorized by the Legislature in 2000, requires doctors and labs to report the last four digits of the patient’s Social Security number, their gender and date of birth. That information will be combined with sexual history and ethnicity and added to the statistics compiled by state health officials.
Those tested anonymously at clinics will not be reported until they enter the health-care system.
California had been reluctant to track HIV infections because of privacy issues. Until Monday, full-blown AIDS cases were the only numbers reported; names are used in that tracking.
But some AIDS advocates say the coding system provides information without violating patient confidentiality.
"Ultimately, we need to get a system that minimizes concerns that confidentiality won’t be undermined, while providing better data on the epidemic," said Fred Dillon of the San Francisco AIDS Foundation.
The data collected will help determine where funding should be spent and how much should be allocated. California receives $108 million in federal funding annually for the care of HIV and AIDS patients.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has set a July 1, 2004, deadline for all states to have an HIV-tracking system. Those that fail likely will see reduced funding based on the lower number of reported AIDS cases.
Health officials say infection rates have shifted from urban gay men to women and minorities in rural areas.
"That’s what we need to find out," said Dr. Juan Ruiz, acting director of the HIV/AIDS branch at the state Office of AIDS. "Our goal is to get a better estimate of HIV in the state."
Wait, wait, don't tell me! People promoting utterly self-centered, irresponsible, promiscuous anal sex with likely desease carriers?
AAHHHH! Blasphemer!!
You can't say that! Don't know that it's the obviously the TRUTH- Think of the Children!!
So the feds are providing a financial incentive to "discover" new HIV positives. Gosh, will anybody be surprised if the numbers go up?
Every time the feds send money (back) to the States, there are strings attached (highway funds, education, welfare, etc.) Wouldn't it be appropriate for them to do the same for AIDS money? Like, close down the bath houses for starters? Mandatory (confidential) screening?
The problem will only get worse, and it's my money funding this care.
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