Hawaii Care Providers, Laboratories to Begin Reporting HIV Infections to Health Department Oct. 1

Beginning Oct. 1, laboratories, doctors and other care providers in Hawaii will be required to report cases of HIV infection, whether newly diagnosed or previously diagnosed, to the state Health Department, the Associated Press reports. Like all other states, Hawaii has been reporting AIDS cases since 1983. "HIV case reporting will help provide a much clearer picture of the spread of the epidemic in Hawaii," Health Director Bruce Anderson said, adding, "HIV case information will also help public health programs and community partners allocate limited resources for HIV prevention and care services more effectively." The department added that it has implemented safeguards to ensure the confidentiality of reported HIV cases (Associated Press, 8/31).