Testing Protocols

THE PENNSYLVANIA CONFIDENTIALITY OF HIV-RELATED INFORMATION ACT (Act 148), as amended

In 1988, the Pennsylvania legislature passed the Confidentiality of HIV-Related Information Act, (commonly known as Act 148) to prevent unauthorized HIV testing and disclosure of HIV-related information without an individual’s consent. 

In 2006, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued recommendations designed to increase HIV testing. Some of the recommendations were impermissible under Pennsylvania law.  In July 2011, Act 148 was amended to allow the CDC recommendations to be legally implemented in Pennsylvania.