Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1998. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
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United Press International - Friday, September 25, 1998
The system, which will be used for two years on an experimental basis, is meant to be a compromise to suggestions that the state keep track of people with HIV, which can develop into the AIDS.
"Our priority was and continues to be the implementation of a reporting system that will link those affected with HIV to HIV-related health care services, ensure that HIV-infected people receive necessary followup conseling and partner notification services," said Public Health Director John Lumpkin.
Gay rights activists and medical professionals have been concerned about proposals by the Public Health Department to keep track of who has HIV.
They fear people with the virus could be publicly identified, even though Illinois officials note they already keep track of people with AIDS, and say any HIV information would be kept confidential by the state.
The code number system was proposed earlier this year by a work group of medical and public health professionals.
Under the system, doctors reporting an HIV diagnosis to the state will give a code number that the state will use to identify the person. Only a doctor and the patient would be aware of who corresponds to which number.
The system will be evaluated beginning Jan. 1, 2001, and could be revised if needed.
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