SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 6580
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
As of February 1, 2018
Title: An act relating to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing.
Brief Description: Concerning human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing.
Sponsors: Senator Rolfes.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Health & Long Term Care: 2/01/18.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & LONG TERM CARE |
Staff: LeighBeth Merrick (786-7445)
Background: Under current state law, healthcare providers must obtain a patient's informed consent before conducting any medical procedure or treatment. There are additional state laws that require consent for HIV testing, and state that HIV screening is voluntary and may be undertaken only after the patient or the patient's authorized representative has been told that HIV screening is planned and that HIV screening will be performed unless the patient declines.
Summary of Bill: The laws specific to requiring consent for HIV testing and voluntary HIV testing are repealed. HIV testing would be subject to the same notification and consent requirements that apply to any other medical test.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: The bill would normalize HIV and treat it like any other medical testing. This would reduce a barrier to testing people for HIV and would ensure that people learn about infection as soon as possible.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Christine Rolfes, Prime Sponsor; Carey Morris, Lifelong AIDS Alliance; Claudia Catastini, Washington State Department of Health.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.