The bill amends Section 23-6.3-4 of the General Laws in Chapter 23-6.3 entitled "Prevention and Suppression of Contagious Diseases — HIV/AIDS" to specify conditions under which a healthcare provider may test for HIV without obtaining consent from the individual. These conditions include testing minors under certain circumstances, testing when an employee or emergency service worker has been exposed to HIV, testing in emergencies where consent cannot be obtained, and mandatory testing for individuals convicted of certain crimes or committed to adult correctional institutions. The bill also includes provisions to protect the confidentiality of HIV test results and outlines the liability protections for those authorizing or recommending HIV testing.

Additionally, the bill amends Section 11-34.1-12 of the General Laws in Chapter 11-34.1 entitled "Commercial Sexual Activity" by changing the requirement for mandatory HIV testing of individuals convicted under this chapter to providing them with the option to be tested. It also outlines the responsibilities of the department of health in maintaining testing sites, providing counseling, and referring injecting drug users to substance abuse treatment. The bill repeals the previous requirement for mandatory HIV testing for individuals convicted of commercial sexual activity. The act will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
2442  SUB A: 23-6.3-4, 11-34.1-12
2442: 23-6.3-4, 11-34.1-12