You have learned what STIs are and what treatments exist for different infections. But it’s also important to know what laws apply to these infections. When can health information be shared, and why? Learn more in the slides below.
Public Health ReportingSo, you’ve tested positive for an STI. What happens next? Because STIs are considered a risk to public health, the government requires healthcare providers and clinics to report certain infections to the health department. HIV, chancroid, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis are reportable diseases in every state in the U.S. Reporting requirement for other STIs differ by state. 
Getting TreatmentTo receive medical care, a person must be able to give legal consent for care. Generally, parents of minor children (those under age 18) must give consent for their child to receive care. But when it comes to minors with STIs, the law gives young people more control of decisions that affect them. 39 states and Washington, D.C. allow all individuals, regardless of age, to consent to STI and HIV services. The remaining states allow certain categories of young people or those at a specified age (such as 12 or 14) and older to consent to such care. 18 states allow, but do not require, a physician to inform a young person’s parents that their child is seeking or receiving STI services when the doctor deems it in the patient’s best interests. |
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Using your favorite search engine, research your state’s laws regarding teenagers’ rights to sexual health services. Then, respond to the prompt below.
Describe the laws related to teens and sexual health care services in your state. Does your state require parental notification? In what situations? Which STIs must be reported to your state’s health department?
| Your Responses | Sample Answers |
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| Answers will vary depending on state. |
