Washington State
plans switch to names-based HIV reporting

Health officials in Washington State plan to seek approval next month to begin recording HIV cases in the state by name instead of using the current codes-based system, The [Spokane] Spokesman-Review reports. The move is being prodded by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which is expected to soon begin allocating AIDS grants based on data from names-based HIV reporting systems across the country. Sticking with the codes-based system could cost the state up to $5 million in AIDS funds each year, health officials say.

Final approval of the plan is expected in June.

Some AIDS advocates say switching to names-based reporting could discourage people from seeking HIV antibody tests if they worry that they will be reported to state and federal health authorities if they test positive. But most AIDS groups and activists around the state are supporting the switch to names-based reporting to avoid losing federal AIDS funds. (Advocate.com)