On March 9, the Michigan House of Representatives Health Policy Committee voted unanimously to move legislation changing rules for HIV testing to the House floor.
The legislation, sponsored by Rep. Roy Schmidt (D-Grand Rapids) is being contested by the Triangle Foundation and many advocates. If passed, it would essentially remove the requirement for a patient to sign a consent form stating that they are willing to be tested for the disease. Within that patients will be required to sign a general consent form, and mustgive verbal consent to be tested. Patients who do not wish to be tested will have to sign a written statement saying so.
The Triangle Foundation, in written testimoney, argued that with the removal of explicit written consent comes the loss of other important factors, including assurance that the patient will be informed of insurance issues, laws relating the HIV disclosure in the state, as well as agree to pre- and post-test counseling.
Advocates of the change argue that it will increase the number of HIV tests performed in the state. Opponents contend that there is no need to change the laws of consent, only the methods of outreach to encourage people to get tested.
HIV testing law changes move to House floor for vote
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