![Confidentiality_a_2](https://www.hivplusmag.com/media-library/confidentiality-a-2.jpg?id=32678766&width=1200&height=792)
Treatment GuideJust DiagnosedSex & DatingAfrican AmericanStigmaAsk the HIV DocPrEP En EspañolNewsVoicesPrint IssueVideoOut 100
CONTACTCAREER OPPORTUNITIESADVERTISE WITH USPRIVACY POLICYPRIVACY PREFERENCESTERMS OF USELEGAL NOTICE
© 2024 Pride Publishing Inc.
All Rights reserved
All Rights reserved
By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Private Policy and Terms of Use.
While legitimate health department HIV and STD e-mail notifications reaching unintended recipients raises some privacy concerns, there have been far more serious violations of HIV patients' confidentiality'and even partner notification hoaxes. In 1997 a former Florida state health worker was sentenced to one year of probation in a case stemming from the nation's largest AIDS-related confidentiality breach. William Calvert III obtained computer disks containing information on more than 4,000 HIV patients living in the Tampa Bay vicinity and reportedly offered to let friends see the list. Calvert's former partner also was punished for the confidentiality breach. The case prodded Florida officials to tighten security of HIV patient records. More recently, at least 10 people in New York City'and several others in Virginia since February'have received fake letters that falsely informed them that a recent sex partner had tested positive for HIV. The New York letters claimed to be sent from Mount Sinai Hospital's nonexistent HIV/AIDS Notification Service; in Virginia the letters were purportedly sent from the Virginia Hospital Center. Rhonda Goldfein, executive director of the AIDS Law Project of Pennsylvania, says confidentiality breaches are always a serious concern. But she also worries that the nature of HIV and STD partner notification programs makes them too easy to be falsified or used for less than altruistic reasons. 'It's even possible people can use this for spite,' she says, suggesting e-mail notifications could be forwarded to acquaintances, friends, employers, and even family members of the person they suspect is infected. 'That's why I think using e-mail for partner notification is completely unreliable.'
Want more breaking equality news & trending entertainment stories?
Check out our NEW 24/7 streaming service: the Advocate Channel!
Download the Advocate Channel App for your mobile phone and your favorite streaming device!
From our Sponsors
Most Popular
Before AIDS, gay artist Rex drew hot men on the prowl — then he disappeared
April 11 2024 3:15 PM
Diets that mimic fasting reverse aging: study
March 07 2024 5:28 PM
PrEP without a prescription now a reality in California
February 06 2024 8:37 PM
Injectable HIV treatment, prevention: Everything you need to know
March 26 2024 3:28 PM
8 dating tips for gay men from a gay therapist
March 21 2024 2:50 PM
Happy national foreskin day!
April 04 2024 1:45 PM
The science behind U=U has been liberating people with HIV for years
June 04 2024 3:31 PM
Scarlet fever: exploring our fascination with blood
March 13 2024 1:47 PM
On Anal Sex Day, crack up with The Bottom's Digest
April 18 2024 10:22 AM
Plus: Featured Video
Latest Stories
Activist and philanthropist Bruce Bastian dies at 76
June 26 2024 1:28 PM
Yes, HIV-positive people can safely breastfeed
June 26 2024 12:59 PM
Exclusive: We kiki with Q from 'RuPaul's Drag Race'
June 24 2024 11:37 AM
Court rules to keep PrEP coverage under Obamacare
June 21 2024 5:42 PM
In honor of Juneteenth 2024, meet The Normal Anomaly
June 19 2024 1:39 PM
What is Juneteenth?
June 19 2024 11:30 AM
As Pride party season begins, the CDC urges mpox vaccinations
May 16 2024 6:52 PM
Advocacy in action with AIDSWatch
May 09 2024 12:30 PM
The Talk: Thriving with HIV
May 08 2024 10:45 AM
The Talk: What HIV isn’t
May 07 2024 10:48 AM
The Talk: Finding balance with HIV
May 06 2024 10:51 AM
Justice Dept plans to reschedule marijuana as a lower-risk drug
May 03 2024 2:40 PM
The Talk: Starting your journey with HIV
May 03 2024 2:00 PM
Why is a mother’s mental health so important? A doctor explains
May 01 2024 1:38 PM
Walmart to close all of its health care clinics
April 30 2024 12:30 PM
Vampire facial spa infected several women with HIV
April 29 2024 7:26 PM