Times-Standard

Thadeus Greenson/The Times-Standard
Eureka Times Standard

Article Launched:10/16/2007 04:16:50 AM PDT

Local Assemblywoman Patty Berg believes California just took a big step forward in the fight against HIV and AIDS.

Assembly Bill 682, authored by Berg and signed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger Friday, will make HIV testing a routine part of physical exams next year by eliminating the existing requirement that patients sign a consent form before a test.

”It's a simple change that will have a big impact,” said Berg in a press release.

The California State Office of AIDS estimates that as many as 40,000 Californians are unaware they carry the virus that causes AIDS, and many won't find out until they seek care for another illness, according to the Test for Life California coalition.

Statistics from the Public Health Department say there are currently between 200 and 300 Humboldt County residents who know they are living with HIV and AIDS.

Rachael Trevino, Six Rivers Planned Parenthood's HIV Services Coordinator, said the bill is an important step toward normalizing HIV testing.

”Having to fill out that extra form gives it a stigma,” Trevino said. “Taking away that extra step makes it seem like a routine thing that we are all supposed to do in life.”

Unknowingly living with the virus means people possibly missing out on years of treatment that could dramatically extend and improve their lives, as well as the risk of them unknowingly infecting others.

”This is the most significant shift in HIV policy in over a decade,” said Michael Weinstein, president of AIDS Healthcare Foundation, in a press release. “We believe that many states will follow California's lead.”

Nationally, the Center for Disease Control estimates that more than one million Americans are living with HIV, but nearly 250,000 don't know it.

Doctors have said they are less likely to provide testing when patients have to fill out a form and the new law is expected to result in earlier detection of the virus and better care. The bill was backed by the California Medical Association, which includes more than 35,000 physicians.

Under the new law, which will take effect Jan. 1, 2008, doctors will still have to tell patients they would like to add HIV to the list of other conditions for which they are testing, and patients can simply decline if they don't want testing.

”The idea that we don't detect and treat this disease because of some social stigma about testing is ridiculous,” Berg said. “Knowledge is power, and this is a perfect example.”

Studies have shown that people with HIV often go undetected and untreated even when they are receiving medical care for other diseases.

California Medical Association President Anmol Mahal said this bill is a big step in the fight against HIV and AIDS.

”This simple yet historic change will help stem the spread of HIV and will ensure that more people receive treatment,” said Mahal in a press release. “After years of treating HIV differently than other diseases, we need a cultural shift to ensure that HIV screening becomes routine, and AB 682 is a critical step in that direction.”