Key messages
- In the event of an exposure incident regarding the possible transfer of a specified infectious disease such as HIV or hepatitis, clinicians will need to apply professional and ethical judgment to decide on a reasonable course of action in accordance with the Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008.
- Gaining the potentially infected patient’s consent to testing is by far the preferred position.
- If agreement cannot be reached then the clinician responsible may ask the Chief Health Officer for an order or authorisation to test.
- Test results must be provided to any of the affected persons and the possible source.
- Registered medical practitioners who perform the tests or provide counselling in accordance with the post-incident testing provisions are protected from legal action.
Overview
The Guidelines have been prepared by the department to assist 'caregivers and custodians' to understand Part 8, Division 5 of the Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008, which is concerned with the examination and testing of specified persons following an incident that may have resulted in the transfer of a specified infectious disease (HIV and/or hepatitis B, C or other forms of hepatitis that may be transmitted by blood or bodily fluids).
Details
- Date published
- 31 Jan 2024
Downloads
Chief Health Officer directions - post-incident testing orders and authorisations
Guidelines for post-incident testing orders and authorisations
Form 1 - Order of an Authorised Senior Medical Officer for post-incident testing
Form 2 - Authorisation by an Authorised Senior Medical Officer for post-incident testing of a stored sample of blood
Form 3 - Order of an Authorised Senior Medical Officer for post-incident testing (private hospitals)
Form 4 - Authorisation by an Authorised Senior Medical Officer for post-incident testing of a stored sample of blood (private hospitals)
Form 5 - Requirements for a request to the Chief Health Officer for a post-incident testing order or authorisation
Reviewed 15 November 2024