SACRAMENTO—The Assembly passed a bill by Assemblywoman Patty Berg that would make HIV screening a routine part of medical check-ups.

“Routine HIV screening prevents the spread of AIDS,” said Berg, D-Eureka. “Early knowledge of HIV status allows patients to begin new treatments that can dramatically extend their lives.”

Currently, a doctor must have written consent before conducting a HIV test. Assembly Bill 682 would add HIV screening to the routine battery of blood tests taken during a medical check-up, but would allow a patient to decline the test if they wish.

Last year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention called for annual medical testing for HIV when people see a doctor. Experts say routine screening will help slow the spread of the HIV virus that causes AIDS.

“Gone is the day when women could sit back and not worry about contracting HIV,” said Assemblywoman Garcia, R-Cathedral City. “We need to be proactive and not take any relationship for granted. Let’s make sure our mothers, sisters and daughters know their status and stay healthy.”

The Center for Disease Control estimates that over one million Americans are living with HIV, and about 25 percent do not know they are infected with HIV. In California, the State Office of AIDS estimates that about thirty to forty thousand Californians are unaware that they are living with HIV.

“This preventative health care reform 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 Assemblymember Huffman, D-San Rafael. 

AB 682 will also streamline and clarify HIV testing for pregnant women to make it a routine test. California law treats pregnant women separately when it comes to HIV testing. The bill will make HIV screening routine for all Californians including pregnant women.

The California Medical Association, the Health Officers Association of California, the San Francisco AIDS Foundation, the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, the Center for AIDS Research, Education and Services, and the Southern California HIV Advocacy Coalition support the bill.

The bill now goes to the Senate.