Washington State
formally begins names-based HIV reporting

On Wednesday health officials in Washington State unanimously voted to formally adopt names-based HIV case reporting in the state, the Seattle Post-Intelligencer reports. A temporary names-based reporting system had been in place since March. The change from a codes-based system to the current names-based reporting method was made after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced that beginning in October federal HIV grants will be based on data collected only from names-based systems. Maintaining the codes-based system could have cost Washington millions in federal AIDS funds.

"We're pragmatic," Bob Wood, director of the HIV/AIDS program at Public Health-Seattle and King County, told the Post-Intelligencer of the change. "We want the most money possible for our region."

The state will continue to offer anonymous HIV antibody testing, Wood says. However, those who test positive will be reported by name once they seek HIV-related medical services in the state. (The Advocate)