Are mental health clinics required to tell hiv results?

[miami1456]

I had blood drawn at a private mental health clinic that gets government funds and I have a psychyatrist there.The psychyatrist is aware that I was getting a physical. I was told by the nurse that they were going to do a full physical on my blood so I assume stds too. Thing is the nurse made a comment to me that I had a medical condition. He told me my psychyatrist would tell me. Well my psychyatrist never mentioned anything about it. If I was infected is that something the psychyatrist would be needing to know? He hasnt made a single comment about the condition or advising me to see a doctor or anything. Would a psychyatrist perscribing antipsychotics want to know if I was taking meds for hiv? Would this place be required by some law to tell me if I had a result come back positive for hiv? I havent asked what they found out. Ive been more hoping that since they never told me about it it probably isnt serious like hiv. I will be getting a test done elsewhere, but I was curious about this.

[nursegirl6572]

Oh, and there's a simple solution, make an appointment with the doctor who was supposed to talk to you...and flat out ask him.  It's that easy.  It's probably something insignificant.  If it was was anything significant, you'd have known for a while now.

[nursegirl6572]

The problem is, you assumed STD testing would be part of some kind of standard blood work....it wouldn't be.  You wouldn't have to guess.  You'd be required to sign a consent.

This is your mind running away with your HIV fear again, clearly.  

[miami1456]

I will be getting tested though.

[miami1456]

Oh this wasnt just a routine bloodwork. I was told its something they do to check the persons health out once a year for their records. Special physical they do for patients. Thanks, for the comments. I do feel better knowing that if they did test me they would be required to tell.

[nursegirl6572]

An HIV test wouldn't be part of your routine physical blood work.  It would have to be ordered specifically, and you'd have to sign a consent for testing.

You weren't tested for HIV without your knowledge.

[HowardH]

If you are in the US, it is a federal crime for any clinic or doctor to provide your test result (or any other health information about you) without your permission. The fine for breaking that law is normally $5,000.00. There are exceptions -- for example, certain conditions must be reported to the health department, and in many states that includes positive HIV tests. However, the health department is then held to the same law and risk of fine for passing the information further.

And I agree with rocket: the clinic would tell you if your test result were positive. They are required to do that; it is against the law to get certain test results or make certain diagnoses and not inform the patient.

[rocket27rocket]

Hi there,

Interesting question...

I would suggest that if you had tested positive they would be prescribing you drugs and would talk you through why this was the case.

Have you had any potential exposures to HIV  (unprotected Anal / Vaginal  sex or sharing needles) you would like us to assess?

Best Wishes

James