Confidentiality issues

HIV/AIDS can be a cause of harassment, intimidation, unfair treatment and estrangement. The HIV status of a person should be disclosed only with her/his consent and if it will assist her/him.

Advisers to clients with HIV/AIDS should ensure that the person is aware of the advantages and disadvantages of disclosure. Some organisations have a policy on confidentiality and HIV/AIDS and advisers could check this before making referrals. The Data Protection Act 1998 does extend the rights of individuals to protection from transfer of sensitive personal data, if held in a computerised form or in any records by local authorities.