Confidentiality and Testing
In Illinois, a person’s HIV status must be kept confidential. At AIDS Legal Council of Chicago, we frequently hear from people with concerns about being tested or about protecting their confidentiality. If any of these examples sound familiar, you should have a look at our legal guides and the resources listed below.

Steve broke up with his boyfriend. Now his ex-boyfriend is telling everyone that Steve has HIV. Is there anything Steven can do to stop him?

A friend was visiting Nicki in the hospital when a staff person walked in and asked, “Has your HIV doctor been in to see you yet?” Nicki’s friend didn’t know she had HIV.

A case manager told Frank that he has to disclose his HIV status to anyone he ever has sex with, even if he uses a condom. Is this true?

• AIDS Confidentiality Act (410 ILCS 305)
• AIDS Confidentiality and Testing Regulations (77 Ill. Adm. Code 697)
• Illinois Criminal Transmission of HIV Act (720 ILCS 5/12-16.2)
• General information on privacy of health information
• Information about HIPAA and medical privacy
• Illinois law on access to a person’s own medical records
• Sample AIDS confidentiality warning letter
  

Young Adults