State Laws Governing HIV Testing in Correctional Settings

Abstract

At the end of 2010, 1.5% of inmates in state prisons were known to be HIV positive, a prevalence rate approximately 3 times that of the general population of the United States. Increased HIV testing in correctional settings has the potential to identify previously undiagnosed infections. This article offers a systematic review and analysis of state laws governing HIV testing in correctional settings, including HIV testing upon admission or prior to release, HIV testing for individuals charged with or convicted of specific crimes, and HIV testing of inmates in situations where contact between the inmate and law enforcement or corrections personnel may have led to an exposure. The implications of these laws for facilitating access to HIV testing within correctional settings are discussed.