Home Health Aide Practice Exam

What is true about HIV testing?

1. Results can be shared with family members

2. Results are confidential and cannot be shared

3. Testing is required for all patients

4. The results must be communicated directly to the public health authorities

The correct answer is: Results are confidential and cannot be shared

The statement that HIV test results are confidential and cannot be shared is indeed accurate. Confidentiality is a fundamental principle in healthcare, especially concerning sensitive information such as HIV status. This means that a patient's HIV test results are protected under privacy laws, and healthcare providers are obligated to keep this information confidential unless the patient explicitly consents to disclose their results. Maintaining confidentiality encourages individuals to seek testing and treatment without fear of stigma or discrimination. Patients should feel safe knowing that their personal health information is safeguarded and only shared with other healthcare providers as necessary for their care, or if required by law — but even then, specifics surrounding the disclosure can vary based on state laws and regulations. In contrast, the other statements do not align with the protocols surrounding HIV testing. For instance, testing is not universally required for all patients; it is typically recommended based on risk factors or other medical needs. Additionally, while certain communicable diseases may need to be reported to public health authorities, HIV status itself is not reported in a way that could identify individual patients unless there are specific legal requirements in place. Finally, sharing results with family members usually requires patient consent.