Author Description

NPIN 20859: This discussion paper explores unresolved testing and confidentiality issues of legal and ethical interest to the Canadian HIV/AIDS community. It compares specific informed consent and general consent and considers anonymous testing, pre- and post-test counseling, home HIV testing, and the exceptions to the principle that testing always be mandatory. The paper presents 15 conclusions or recommendations regarding HIV testing, including that arguments for specific informed consent remain as pertinent as ever, that availability of new treatments for HIV underscores the importance of providing easy access to HIV testing facilities to all Canadians, and that anonymous HIV testing facilities should be made available in various locations in each province and territory.