Success of Streamlined HIV Testing Program, Press Release, New York City Health & Hospitals Corporation (HHC), 2006

New York City public hospitals dramatically increased voluntary HIV testing—with standard written consent—in 2006, finding more than twice as many HIV-infected patients than in 2005. HHC facilities tested 92,000 patients in 2006—63% more than in 2005—and found 1,514 were positive, up from 720 in 2005. Current New York State regulations require use of a one-page written consent form and a streamlined explanation of HIV, testing, and related concerns that can be tailored to the individual. New York's protective HIV confidentiality and testing law did not impede HHC’s broad testing initiative. The findings prove a point advocates have been making well in advance of the CDC's revised testing recommendations released in the fall of 2006: If public health officials will just accelerate HIV testing with existing legal protections by creating incentives for doctors to offer the test, and ensuring adequate funding, they will find plenty of "hidden" HIV infections. There is no need to turn back the clock on modern laws protecting patient rights in order to get more people tested.