SACRAMENTO—A key policy committee on Tuesday approved a bill by Assemblywoman Patty Berg that would make it easier for doctors to begin treating thousands of Californians who are unaware they have been infected with the HIV virus.

Assembly Bill 682 by Berg, D-Eureka, makes HIV screening a routine part of medical check-ups when a person sees a doctor or visits an emergency room. The bill passed the Assembly Health Committee on a 11 to 0 vote.

AB 682 normalizes the practice of testing for HIV, which is currently the only blood test that requires written consent in most clinical settings. The bill would add HIV screening to the routine battery of blood tests taken during normal healthcare screening, but would allow a patient to decline the test if they wish.

“This will help slow the spread of HIV, and help people get treatment sooner,” Berg said. “A lot of good can come from a simple blood test.”

Last September, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention called for annual medical testing for HIV when people see a doctor. The California Office of AIDS estimates that about 30,000 to 40,000 Californians are unaware that they are living with HIV. More than 39% of people learn that they are HIV positive less than a year before being diagnosed with AIDS.

“It’s time we took an aggressive approach to further helping people get tested for this terrible disease by eliminating barriers to early diagnosis of HIV infection and increasing access to quality medical care, treatment and ongoing prevention services,” said Assemblywoman Bonnie Garcia, R-Cathedral City.

Experts say routine screening will help slow the spread of the virus that causes AIDS. Studies have shown that people who are aware of their HIV status are 68% less likely to engage in unprotected intercourse.

“This bill is an important preventative health care reform that will increase the number of people who are tested for HIV leading to a decrease in the number of people who are unknowingly spreading the disease,” said Assemblyman Jared Huffman, D-San Rafael.