AEGiS-MISC: Koretz Introduces Post-Exposure Prophylaxis Bill To Slow The Spread Of HIV: Proposed Guidelines To Be Developed To Prevent New HIV Infections from Sexual Exposure

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2003. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

Koretz Introduces Post-Exposure Prophylaxis Bill To Slow The Spread Of HIV: Proposed Guidelines To Be Developed To Prevent New HIV Infections from Sexual Exposure

Southern California HIV/AIDS Advocacy Coalition - March 13, 2003

Assemblyman Paul Koretz (D-West Hollywood) has introduced AB 879, a bill that would require the California Department of Health Services to create a task force to develop guidelines to be used in cases of inadvertent sexual exposure to HIV. Currently, the state has guidelines for healthcare workers and victims of sexual assault who are exposed to this virus. "It seems prudent, particularly with Governor Davis' proposed cuts to HIV prevention funds, to look at all strategies to slow the spread of this pandemic." Assemblyman Koretz said, "I am proud to continue to advance legislation that improves the quality of life for people living with AIDS and to promote ways to prevent this life threatening illness."

Assemblyman Koretz represents the City of West Hollywood, an area with the largest concentration of people with AIDS in Los Angeles County. Last year, Koretz introduced legislation that was passed and was signed into law that initiated the process for expanding Medi-Cal eligibility to include people who are HIV infected but are not AIDS disabled. Previous regulations limited Medi-Cal eligibility to those with AIDS and/or an AIDS disability. In either case, Medi-Cal recipients must satisfy the same financial eligibility requirements.

Tom Peterson, Co-chair of the Southern California HIV/AIDS Advocacy Coalition, the sponsors of AB 897 said, "We are excited to work once again with Assemblymember Koretz and are grateful for his leadership on this issue. Along with current HIV prevention and education measures, these guidelines will be another tool for healthcare workers to reduce the number of HIV infections in California. We recognize that work must be done hand in hand with HIV prevention educators as well as physicians to keep people HIV negative. We are committed to reducing the number of new HIV infections in California and believe this bill, in conjunction with a comprehensive prevention effort that includes HIV education and proven intervention strategies, will help us reach that goal."

The bill now moves to the Assembly Health Committee for discussion and debate. Assemblyman Dario Frommer (D-Glendale) is the Chair of this Committee. If the bill passes, it will go to the Budget Committee before going to a vote by the full Assembly. It will then go to the State Senate for its approval. Once passed by the legislature, AB 897 will go to Governor Davis.

The Southern California HIV/AIDS Advocacy Coalition is a group of AIDS service providers, activists and people infected with HIV who advocate for sound and reasonable HIV public policy. For more information about AB 897 or the Southern California HIV/AIDS Advocacy Coalition, please contact Joshua Bobrowsky from the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center at (323) 860-7360, or Teresa Stark in Assemblyman Koretz' office at (916) 319-2042.

Contact:

Teresa Stark (916) 319-2042 - Assemblyman Paul Koretz, 42nd Assembly District

Joshua Bobrowsky (323) 860-7360 - Southern California HIV Advocacy Coalition

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Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2003. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.

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