California bill
would streamline HIV testing, combat STDs

A California bill awaiting Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's signature would test out new streamlined HIV testing as well as make drugs for sexually transmitted diseases more accessible.

The bill, an amended piece of legislature called AB 2280 pushed by out assemblyman Mark Leno of San Francisco, would pilot an innovative new testing model for HIV. Currently the state spends over $8 million on anonymous HIV testing. However, many of those individuals are at a relatively low risk of contracting HIV.The new method would test high-risk individuals already seeking help with drug addiction or reporting unprotected sex.

"AB 2280 prompted a discussion among key stakeholders, and a new HIV test counseling model will be piloted that streamlines the testing process and targets those who can benefit most from one-on-one counseling," Leno said. "I am hopeful that we can increase the number of people tested when a streamlined HIV-test counseling process is rolled out statewide in July 2007."

If passed, Leno's bill would also allow physicians to provide a patient diagnosed with gonorrhea additional antibiotic drugs for their sex partner or partners. (The Advocate)