A systematic review and comparison of HIV contact tracing laws in Canada

Abstract

Objectives: Public health officials and health providers need to be aware of the legislation documenting contact tracing in their jurisdiction to advise HIV positive clients of their rights, and to systematically perform their duties. The objective is to outline and compare the contact tracing laws in 13 jurisdictions in Canada, and to provide policy recommendations.

Methods: A systematic review was performed to outline and compare the laws in Canadian jurisdictions regarding HIV contact tracing. Specific manual searches were done in websites of Canadian provincial and territorial departments of health.

Results: For thirteen provinces and territories within Canada eleven laws were found. No laws directly pertaining to partner notification or contact tracing were found in Newfoundland and Labrador or Quebec.

Conclusions: Public health officials should ensure that contact tracing practices and policies accurately reflect the current regulations without compromising their patients' confidentiality. It is recommended that each province/territory would benefit from standardized contact tracing regulations which are imbedded in communicable disease legislation. Regulations with provisions for informed consent, confidentiality, multiple counselling sessions, clear procedures in duty to warn cases, and domestic violence screening would be considered best practice.