In 2007
Massachusetts doctors will be required to report the names
of anyone who tests positive for HIV, the Boston
Globe reported Thursday. The state's Public Health
Council voted unanimously on the mandatory reporting,
citing the importance of accurately tracking the
disease in order to allocate funding where it is
needed the most.
Names reporting
is required in order to receive funding from the federal
government; health officials are assuring citizens that the
information will be confidential.
Massachusetts
will join the five other states where this type of
reporting is done. The state already requires names
reporting for other infectious diseases such as
syphilis and gonorrhea. (The Advocate)