ALBANY - Governor David Paterson announced the enactment of two bills to reduce the spread of HIV/AIDS by updating New York's HIV testing law to encourage increased testing rates and remove disincentives to participation in needle exchange and syringe access programs.

The Governor signed into law a bill which will allow patients to agree to HIV testing as part of a general signed consent to medical care that remains in effect until it is revoked or expires. The bill will also require health care providers to offer testing to their patients between 13 and 64 years of age, as recommended by the federal Centers for Disease and Control (CDC), and will facilitate authorization for testing in the case of certain occupational exposures to HIV infection.

"The enactment of this bill represents a significant step forward in combating the HIV/AIDS epidemic," Governor Paterson said. "By making HIV testing a routine part of health care, this legislation will increase HIV testing rates, letting people learn their status and begin treatment at an earlier stage, which can significantly improve the length and quality of life and help reduce transmission of the disease."

The bill will also, among other things:

• Allow oral consent to an HIV test for a "rapid HIV test," a newer type of testing that is generally available in settings that include hospitals and clinics;

• Require, in accordance with the CDC's 2006 recommendations, that an HIV related test be offered to every individual between the ages of 13 and 64 years of age receiving health services in any health setting, including hospitals, emergency rooms, hospital outpatient departments, and primary care settings including physician, physician assistant, nurse practitioner and midwife offices;

• Permit anonymous testing of the blood of a person who is deceased, comatose or otherwise lacks the ability to consent, if someone such as a health care worker is exposed to the person's blood and no one with the authority to consent to testing can be found in time for the exposed worker to begin medical treatment for HIV.

The Governor also signed into law his another measure which will clarify and enhance existing law regarding the possession of syringes or needles by individuals who participate in needle exchange programs. These public health programs that provide intravenous drug users with access to clean syringes and to substance abuse counseling and health care have operated in New York for many years. Numerous State, national and international studies have found that such programs are very effective in reducing transmission of blood-borne diseases such as HIV and Hepatitis C.