CDC releases new HIV testing recommendations

Yesterday the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released new HIV testing recommendations. Though the recommendations are not legally binding, they will guide state laws and regulations in the coming years. Among the recommendations is a call for routinized testing of all adults, regardless of risky behaviors, and proposals to phase out written consent and pre-test counseling.
Today at the conference CDC officials hosted a roundtable discussion on the newly released document. Advocates raised questions on the cost-effectiveness of testing people not known to be at risk for HIV infection. More critically, advocates needed clarification for eliminating written consent and pre-test counseling, noting the risks associated with a positive diagnosis and the opportunity for risk reduction. CDC officials continued to assert that all HIV tests would be voluntary and that medical and psychosocial referrals would have to be included with a positive diagnosis.
Some HIV/AIDS groups supported the recommendations, citing data that those aware of their HIV status are significantly less likely to transmit the virus, and the fact that approximately 250,000 - 300,000 Americans are living with HIV and do not know it.
The debate around HIV testing policies will surely continue, and we are unsure how much impact these recommendations will have. In any event, it was great to witness HIV prevention policies being introduced at a conference filled with immense experience, knowledge and passion.
More to come...
-Nathan