LinkedIn



Governor Paterson Signs Bills to Promote HIV Testing and Remove Barriers to Needle Exchange and Syringe Access

August 2010

Governor Paterson signed a bill that will allow patients to agree to HIV testing as part of a general signed consent to medical care that remains in effect until it is revoked or expires. The bill will also require health care providers to offer testing to their patients between 13 and 64 years of age and will facilitate authorization for testing in the case of certain occupational exposures to HIV infection.

The Governor also signed another bill that will clarify and enhance existing law regarding the possession of syringes or needles by individuals who participate in needle exchange programs. Numerous State, national, and international studies have found that such programs are very effective in reducing transmission of blood-borne diseases such as HIV and Hepatitis C.

For more information about the bills, go to: http://www.ny.gov/governor/press/073010HivBill.html