A bill that would make HIV screening more routine in California is headed to the governor's desk. Supporters say more frequent HIV testing would help curb the spread of the disease. KPBS reporter Kenny Goldberg has the story.
Currently, healthcare providers have to get informed, or written consent before screening for HIV.
Under the new bill, providers would simply have to tell the patient an HIV test would be performed. Patients would still have the right to decline.
Joey Terrill is with the AIDS Healthcare Foundation .
Terrill : The theory behind this is that the more that HIV screening becomes routine, that people will be able to access treatment early, rather than progressing to full-blown AIDS , and that they will also take measures to insure that they're not infecting others.
The only California lawmaker to vote against the bill was Murrieta State Senator Dennis Hollingsworth.
Governor Schwarzenegger has not said whether he will sign it into law.
Kenny Goldberg, KPBS News.
