Massachusetts to
require doctors to identify HIV patients

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)