Question & AnswerQ&A (DOH Resolution NO. 1)
Republic Act No. 8504 is commonly known as the "Philippine AIDS Prevention and Control Act of 1998."
The PNAC serves as the central advisory, planning, and policy-making body on the prevention and control of HIV/AIDS in the Philippines.
Compulsory HIV testing is generally unlawful except under specific legal and medical circumstances provided by the law such as court order in criminal cases or organ donation procedures.
Penalties include imprisonment from six months to four years and administrative sanctions such as fines, suspension or revocation of professional licenses, or cancellation of business permits.
Anonymous HIV testing is a procedure where the identity of the individual tested is protected or not known, using either unlinked anonymous or voluntary anonymous methods.
Discrimination is prohibited in employment, education, travel and habitation, credit and insurance services, hospitals, and burial services based on actual, perceived, or suspected HIV status.
HIV/AIDS test results are confidential and may only be released to the tested person, their parent or guardian if minor or incapacitated, authorized persons for monitoring, or court judges under certain judicial proceedings.
Employers must develop, implement, evaluate, and fund HIV/AIDS education and information programs for all employees integrated into orientation, training, and continuing education.
Universal precautions include handwashing, using gloves and protective clothing, proper disposal of needles and sharps, sterilization, handling soiled linen carefully, and appropriate handling of blood and body fluids.
The State shall protect the human rights and civil liberties of persons with HIV/AIDS, guarantee their right to privacy, prohibit discrimination, and assure access to basic health and social services.