The Report contains a re-examination of the issues raised by HIV testing and confidentiality in Canada.
The main question addressed is whether new developments warrant a departure from the "general principle governing HIV antibody testing in Canada." In particular, the Report examines the following questions:
- Is specific informed consent to testing still necessary, or should general consent suffice?
- How can access to HIV testing be improved, and should the testing options include anonymous testing?
- Is pre- and post-test counselling still necessary?
- Should new forms of testing for HIV, such as rapid and/or home testing, be made available in Canada?
- Are any exceptions warranted to the principle that testing always be voluntary. Is mandatory or compulsory testing, or testing of specific groups of the population (or under certain circumstances), justified?
- Are there any new exceptions to the principle that testing only be done when confidentiality of results or anonymity of testing can be guaranteed?
- Should HIV and AIDS reporting provisions be changed?
- What approach to partner notification should be adopted?