Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1986. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Associated Press - August 20, 1986
The officials said the changes would be made to appease the critics of the plan, who contend that the information could violate the privacy of people with AIDS.
"We believe revisions to the rule represent acceptable compromises," said Dr. John Rutledge, Deputy Health Commissioner.
"People were concerned we were getting too much information," said Leigh Cook, a spokesman for the department. Revision Drops Wide Disclosure
Before the changes, the proposal would have required all prisons, sanitariums, physicians, hospitals and nursing homes to report the names, ages, sex, addresses and telephone numbers of all victims of AIDS and AIDS-related complex to the department within 24 hours of the discovery of the disease.
Acquired immune deficiency syndrome robs the body of its ability to fight infection and causes death. Individuals with AIDS-related complex have some of the symptoms of AIDS but not enough to bring about serious illnesses.
Health officials said the information about the sufferers would allow the state to keep track of AIDS victims and search for trends in the spread of the virus.
When the plan was debated at a Public Health Council hearing last month, some criticized it as unnecessary.
Norman Clevely, spokesman for the New Jersey Lesbian and Gay Coalition, testified that though the group supported the plan's goal, it was afraid the names of victims of AIDS and AIDS-related complex might become public knowledge. He suggested that the information remain with the doctor or hospital giving treatment.
The health council will hold another hearing on Sept. 8 to discuss the proposal further.
Meanwhile, Florida has replaced New Jersey as the state with the third highest number of reported AIDS cases. Ms. Cook said that New Jersey had 1,459 reported cases and Florida had 1,573.
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