In 2006, the CDC is expected to release new guidelines recommending routine HIV screening for all persons ages 13-64 in health care settings. The new recommendation would change HIV screening from an “opt-in” approach (where the patient must ask to be tested and explicit consent is needed) to an “opt-out” approach (where the patient is notified that the test is being performed, and consent is inferred unless the patient declines).

The public overall is supportive of routine testing, with about two-thirds (65%) saying that HIV testing should be treated just like routine screening for other disease, compared with just over a quarter (27%) who say that HIV testing should require special procedures, such as written permission from the patient.