Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2007. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Chicago Tribune - June 28, 2007
Monique Garcia, Tribune staff reporter, mcgarcia@tribune.com
The governor called the new law an "important step in the fight against HIV and AIDS."
Approved on National HIV Testing Day, the law allows for patients to consent verbally to testing instead of filling out formal paperwork.
"This puts us on a path so there is less and less of a stigma attached to getting an HIV test," said Sen. Carol Ronen (D-Chicago), a sponsor.
Proponents hope the law will increase the number of people tested and diagnosed early. Up to 10,000 Illinoisans don't know they have HIV because they haven't been tested, according to the AIDS Foundation of Chicago. It is often too late for significant treatment once they are diagnosed, said John Peller, a foundation lobbyist.
"It really becomes a tragedy of missed opportunities," he said.
Once they consent to tests, patients will receive pre-test information about HIV and how to interpret test results. Those who test positive must be informed of the results in person, and doctors must give referrals to appropriate counseling and medical providers.
Patients could decline to be tested.
While the move will make HIV testing more common and increase early detection, Rep. Greg Harris (D-Chicago), a sponsor, said it's still important to embrace preventive measures.
"We can't deceive ourselves that we can test our way out of the epidemic," Harris said. "We must also teach our way out."
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