Who can HIV positive results be shared with?

HIV positive results can be shared with a spouse and health departments primarily due to the legal and public health considerations surrounding the management of HIV.

Health departments are involved in disease control and public health efforts, and they often require information related to communicable diseases to track and prevent the spread of HIV. Such reporting helps ensure that necessary public health measures can be taken.

As for sharing results with a spouse, it is important for the health and safety of both partners. Disclosure within a marriage or partnership allows for informed decision-making regarding health practices, including treatment options and preventive measures for transmission.

While a patient might have control over their personal health information, certain exceptions exist for the protection of public health, which justifies the sharing of results in these specific contexts.