New York State HIV Partner Notification Requirement: The New York State Legislature passed a law requiring the Department of Health to develop a system of HIV surveillance and partner notification in July 1998. This legislation was implemented June 1, 2000 and consists of the following policies:

• Physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and nurse midwives are responsible for reporting to the Health Department all persons with newly detected HIV infection by completing the designated form within 21 days of the diagnosis.
• Laboratory reporting will also be done for all positive viral load assays, CD4 cell counts <500, and CD4/CD8 ratios <29%.
• The names of contacts and other persons the patient wishes to notify will be included in the report.
• The provider, patient, and public health staff will determine the best method for partner notification. Partner identification by the patient is voluntary, there are no penalties for failure to provide partner names. Notification by the public health staff will not disclose the partner's name or any identifying information.
• Screening for possible risk of domestic violence will be required, and notification will be deferred if there is a perceived risk.
• Pre-test counseling should include information about HIV reporting and partner notification requirements, including emphasis on protection of confidentiality and the lack of penalty for failure to identify partners. posted 7/3/2000