🏳️‍🌈✝️ When I go to the doctor or dentist and fill out the intake form, do I have to disclose my HIV status?

May 15, 2017 • By Lambda Legal 

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In all but one state, you are not legally required to disclose your HIV status when seeing a doctor, dentist or other health care provider. (Arkansas requires disclosure to one’s dentist.) However, you should keep in mind that health care providers may be able to provide better care when they are aware of all factors that may be affecting your health.

For instance, failure to disclose HIV medications may make it more difficult to identify adverse drug interactions. And any information you share with health care providers should remain confidential because it is covered by the provider-patient privacy protections.

So while it may not be required, disclosure of HIV-related health information to trusted providers is a best practice for your personal health. If you feel you have been mistreated or discriminated against after sharing your HIV status with a health care provider, please contact Lambda Legal’s Help Desk at lambdalegal.org/help.

Founded in 1973, Lambda Legal is the oldest and largest national legal organization whose mission is to achieve full recognition of the civil rights of LGBT people and all people living with HIV through impact litigation, education and public policy work. 

Go to LambdaLegal.org/Know-Your-Rights for more information.

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