Legal issues, AIDS, and the practicing physician.

This article highlights for the practicing physician some of the more important laws and regulations related to and arising from the AIDS epidemic. Medical-legal issues regarding the availability of health care as defined by federal and state law regarding employment and level of medical care given based on HIV status is discussed. Texas law regarding testing, disclosure of test results, and possible claims that could arise due to issues such as the invasion of privacy are examined along with criminal penalties for transmitting the virus to others, insurance, and insurability. Finally, the June 1989 Human Immunodeficiency Virus Services Act and Senate Omnibus Bill 959, which was passed into law, is briefly outlined.