Opinion ID: 1822772
Heading Depth: 4
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: The Nature of Section 381.004[14]

Text: The nature of section 381.004 does not provide a basis for the judiciary to create an additional remedy. The statute is very specific in its regulation of conduct, clearly delineating what actions are prohibited. Section 381.004(3)(f) provides: No person who has obtained or has knowledge of [an HIV] test result pursuant to this section may disclose or be compelled to disclose the identity of any person upon whom a test is performed, or the results of such a test in a manner which permits identification of the subject of the test. . . . This provision very clearly prohibits the disclosure of HIV test results or the identity of any person who receives an HIV test. In other words, section 381.004 imposes a strict duty of confidentiality on individuals who have knowledge of HIV testing. The statute does not employ broad general terms that would only acquire specific meaning after the court supplies a remedy for the benefit of individuals receiving HIV tests. Thus, court action is not required to give the statute or the duty the statute creates specific meaning.