HIV Legal, a website designed for clinicians and community, has relaunched today, providing a guide on the legal and ethical responsibilities around HIV care in Australia.
Now in its third edition, HIV Legal is the only resource of its kind in Australia, produced by the Health+Law Research Partnership and ASHM. It is designed as a general guide to support clinicians to meet their legal obligations when caring for HIV positive patients.
The new update covers major changes healthcare workers caring for HIV positive patients need to know to exercise their professional duties and responsibilities. This includes often misunderstood considerations such as ‘opt out’ HIV testing, informed consent for testing, managing individuals suspected of putting others at risk of HIV, and mandatory testing for people whose bodily fluids may have come in contact with police.
Alexis Apostolellis, ASHM CEO, said the website will give peace of mind in a complex area of healthcare.
“As Australia’s laws around HIV are constantly evolving, it is vital that clinicians are equipped with up-to-date information and understand their responsibilities,” said Apostolellis.
“HIV Legal is a fantastic first port of call for healthcare professionals and community workers unsure of their legal obligations around HIV in Australia.”
Dr David Carter, Health+Law Research Partnership Lead Chief Investigator, said HIV Legal will clarify legal requirements to allow clinicians to focus on delivering care.
“When testing or treating patients with HIV, or even when you’re delivering a diagnosis, there are really specific legal aspects at play that clinicians need to make sure they’re aware of,” said Dr Carter.
“For clinicians, having this resource readily available – especially if they’re not treating people with HIV often – will support their compliance with law while providing ethical and quality care.”
HIV Legal is available at www.hivlegal.org.au and provides general information only. Healthcare practitioners seeking legal advice should contact their state or territory health department, a solicitor or their medical defence organisation.
