Yes. Public Health Law, Article 27-F is the section of New York State Public Health Law that protects the confidentiality and privacy of anyone who has:
• been tested for HIV;
• been exposed to HIV;
• HIV infection or HIV/AIDS-related illness; or
• been treated for HIV/AIDS-related illness.
In addition, the law requires that anyone who takes a voluntary HIV test must first sign a consent form. This means the person understands what the test means and agrees to take it. The law also requires that information about a person’s HIV status can only be disclosed (shared with others) if the person signs an HIV release form or if the form is signed by the person’s legally appointed guardian or health care proxy. The law applies to individuals and facilities that directly provide health or social services and to anyone who receives HIV-related information about a person pursuant to a properly executed HIV release form. Also, the law