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Ethical Concerns with Opt-Out Testing in Comparison to Voluntary Counseling Testing
White, Monica
White, Monica
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Abstract
HIV testing is now placed under the general consent to treat. What is not clear are the
cost and consequences that accompany these CDC recommendations (Holtgrave, 2007). Written
informed consent promotes patient information and awareness, while protecting patients and
physicians; omitting counseling and disclosures may eliminate patient education about HIV and
high risk behaviors (Donoghoe, Lane, & Wolf, 2007). The ethical issue with routine testing is the
elimination of HIV test specific written consent and pretest counseling. The lack of adequate
information related to patients rights to refuse testing along with the risks and benefits are also
ethical concerns. Routine testing may be met with barriers from individual states. Most states
have pretest counseling incorporated in their HIV testing laws (Donoghoe, Lane, & Wolf, 2007).
Opt-out testing may come with consequences such as failure to reduce high risk behavior
(Holtgrave, 2007).
Description
Date
2009-07-02