Confidentiality of HIV/HCV Testing Information and HIV/HCV Test Results

The HIV and HCV tests are voluntary and confidential.  Results are not released to others, except when the agency is required by Iowa law to participate in a disease investigation conducted by the state or local health department (Iowa Code 2004: Chapter 139A) or to notify a parent or guardian if a minor tests positive (Iowa Code 2004: Chapter 141A.7). If your HIV/HCV test is positive, Iowa law requires that the results must be reported to the Department of Public Health, and in the case of minors, to a parent or legal guardian.  Information reported to the Department of Public Health is used to provide referrals to health care, to help with partner notification, and for tracking the number of HIV/HCV infections.  This information is held in the strictest confidence by the Department of Public Health and is not shared without your permission.

If you test positive for HIV/HCV, you will be advised of the importance of notifying partners.  You can inform your partners personally or choose to have the assistance of the Department of Public Health through Partner Counseling and Referral Services.