In my state, anyone can get a free, anonymous HIV test at any public health clinic. This way, people can be tested for HIV and have the results themselves before anyone else knows of it. Opposition to named reporting, in my opinion, is based mainly on unwarranted fear. But the fact is that there are many safeguards at the state and federal levels to prevent this from happening. The Americans with Disabilities Act prohibits discrimination due to positive HIV status.
Most states have strict patient confidentiality laws.
UI reporting on the surface seems reasonable. Cecil's Mailbag is researched and written by members of the Straight Dope Science Advisory Board, Cecil's online auxiliary. Inc. All rights reserved. No material contained in this site may be republished or reposted without express written permission. The Straight Dope is a registered trademark of Chicago Reader, Inc.