Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1988. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Chicago Tribune (CT) - THURSDAY January 14, 1988 Edition: NATIONAL Section: NEWS Page: 7 Word Count: 353
Jean Davidson
The public health guidelines do, however, require physicians to name individuals if they develop acquired immune deficiency syndrome or AIDS related complex.
The proposed rules announced Wednesday by Dr. Bernard Turnock, director of the state Department of Public Health, would put into effect legislation passed last year by the General Assembly covering tracing of sexual partners; laboratory requirements for AIDS antibody testing; testing of dontated blood, sperm and tissue; establishing of counseling and testing center requirements; and notifying of school principals.
Individuals with AIDS, the HIV virus or AIDS related complex will be encouraged to inform past sex partners of potential infection, or provide their doctors with names of those who may be infected. The department of public health or local health departments would then contact and counsel the partners.
Six public hearings will be held throughout the state next month to gather public comment before the proposed guidelines take effect in May or June, Turnock said.
The proposed testing and tracing proceedures will cost the state a minimum $650,000 to $700,000 a year, he said.
"We will be virtually deputizing physicians and other health care providers to assist us," Turnock said during a press conference at the State of Illinois Center. "But we want to maintain confidentiality between patient and physician."
Turnock, whose confirmation as public health director was threatened last year when he opposed initial tracing proposals, said assurances of confidentiality built into these guidelines fulfill the law while encouraging infected individuals to report partners who may be at risk.
Meanwhile, Turnock said the growth in the number of AIDS cases has slowed dramatically since 1984, when reported cases leaped 135 percent over the previous year. Illinois cases reported last year totaled 1,457, a 35 to 40 percent increase over 1986. Turnock attributed the slowdown to education about AIDS prevention.
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