Just another Executive order, Mandatory HIV testing? Uh, Nope.

On July 16th, 2013 our President issued an Executive order concerning HIV testing and prevention. You can read the entire Executive Order here.

Now of course I am not a fan of the twit in the White House, but I am also not a fan of people spreading false rumors. The rumor mill on this executive order is that it requires some sort of mandatory testing for all Americans. If that were so, I would be screaming my fool head off. As a matter of fact when I sat down to type this article I had every intent of skewering the White House for such outrageous behavior. However, I actually read the Executive Order and must say there is no evidence of any subversive program aimed at collecting blood from all Americans. Go to the website I linked in the first paragraph and READ the Order. You may also simply do a find for the word testing and read the applicable sentences.

For those who don’t want to read the whole thing here are the applicable quotes:
“ These findings highlight the importance of prompt HIV diagnosis, and because of recent advances in HIV testing technology, HIV can be detected sooner and more rapidly than ever before.” No mandatory testing edict here.

“Based on these and other data, recommendations for HIV testing and treatment have changed. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force now recommends that clinicians screen all individuals ages 15 to 65 years for HIV, and the Department of Health and Human Services Guidelines for Use of Antiretroviral Agents now recommends offering treatment to all adolescents and adults diagnosed with HIV.” They recommend screening, it is not mandatory and only when visiting a clinician.

“The Act is expanding access to recommended preventive services with no out-of-pocket costs, including HIV testing, and, beginning in 2014, insurance companies will not be able to deny coverage based on pre-existing conditions, including HIV.” Looks like this paragraph concerns access to services and testing.

“It is the policy of my Administration that agencies implementing the Strategy prioritize addressing the continuum of HIV care, including by accelerating efforts to increase HIV testing, services, and treatment along the continuum.” Nothing here but looking for an increase in testing, nothing mandatory.

“The Initiative will support further integration of HIV prevention and care efforts; promote expansion of successful HIV testing and service delivery models; encourage innovative approaches to addressing barriers to accessing testing and treatment; and ensure that Federal resources are appropriately focused on implementing evidence-based interventions that improve outcomes along the HIV care continuum.” Promotes expansion of testing and access to testing and services.

“(i) request and review information from agencies describing efforts to improve testing, care, and treatment outcomes, and determine if there is appropriate emphasis on addressing the HIV care continuum in relation to other work concerning the domestic epidemic;” Nothing here to indicate anything but improving testing and treatment.

The bottom line here is that folks need to lighten up and relax. Although I am sure this Executive Order will cost us taxpayers a bundle, it is not part of some evil conspiracy to test us all and get our DNA via blood samples. While that would be a clever idea on the part of those in power, it is simply well beyond their limited scope of thinking, at least at the present time.

You may now return to your regularly scheduled surfing.
Tim
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