June 19, 2008

Rhode Island Docs Fight Written Consent for HIV Testing

Rhode Island doctors are urging state lawmakers to pass a bill that would lift a requirement that patients provide written consent before receiving an HIV test, the Associated Press/WPRI 12 Eyewitness News reports (eyewitnessnewstv.com, 6/19).

According to the article, the doctors say consent forms make it difficult to test their patients and diagnose HIV early in its progression. While the proposed bill would eliminate the paperwork prior to testing, a patient’s verbal consent would still need to be obtained before a screening took place.

Steven Brown, executive director of the Rhode Island affiliate of the American Civil Liberties Union, told the AP that he opposes the bill, saying consent paperwork does not hinder early HIV detection.

Search: Rhode Island, written consent

Scroll down to comment on this story.

Previous Comments:

Maya, , 2008-06-19 22:17:03
You have to basically write a novel and sign your life away to go to the doctors office or the hospital anyway, so I don't see the big deal about one more form that you have to sign. I don't think it hinders anything. Not to mention that while they would require verbal consent, where would be the proof that they actually told the patient they were testing them for HIV and what is to stop them from doing it without their knowledge? Don't think for one moment that wouldn't happen.