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H 2515

An Act relative to the exposure of public safety officials to HIV

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Bridget Plouffe

Establishes court-ordered HIV testing after exposure for police, firefighters, and EMS, with results shared only with the exposed official and their medical provider to guide care.

Reporting date extended to Tuesday, October 21, 2025
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Bill Summary · H 2515

Summary of House Bill 2515 (H 2515): An Act relative to the exposure of public safety officials to HIV

Overview

  • Purpose: To establish a process for court-ordered HIV testing of individuals who may have exposed public safety officials (police, firefighters, EMS personnel, and related healthcare workers) to blood, semen, or other bodily fluids in the line of duty, and to limit disclosures of test results to the concerned official and his/her medical care provider.
  • Status: Referred to Public Health (Feb. 27, 2025). Hearing scheduled (June 25, 2025). Reporting date extended to Tuesday, October 21, 2025.
  • Sponsor: Representative Bridget Plouffe (9th Plymouth).

Key Provisions

Section 1 – Amendment to Section 70F (Chapter 111)

  • Adds a provision after the fifth paragraph stating that it is not a violation of Section 70F for a facility, physician, or health care provider to test any person for HIV antibody or antigen if such testing is done in compliance with a court order issued under newly created Section 70I.
  • Purpose: Ensure that compelled testing ordered by a court under 70I is permitted and not subject to existing restrictions in 70F.

New Section 70I – Court-ordered HIV testing after exposure

  • Scope: Applies to a law enforcement officer (as defined in Chapter 6, § 116C), healthcare provider, firefighter, EMS personnel, or paramedic who, in the course of official duties, has been exposed to the transfer of blood, semen, or other bodily fluids from another person.
  • Petition mechanism: The exposed public safety official may petition a justice of the Superior Court for an order compelling testing of the other person for HIV antibody or antigen.
  • Confidentiality of results: The test results are to be shared only with the exposed official and the official’s medical care provider.
  • Purpose: Facilitate timely verification of HIV status of the person who may have transmitted the exposure, enabling appropriate medical care and informed decision-making for the exposed individual.

Affected Parties

  • Public safety personnel: Police officers, firefighters, EMS personnel, paramedics who may be exposed to bodily fluids in the line of duty.
  • Individuals potentially responsible for exposure: Persons whose bodily fluids may necessitate testing to determine HIV status.
  • Healthcare entities and providers: Those involved in testing and delivering medical care, subject to the court-ordered testing process.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduction and referral: Filed February 27, 2025; referred to the Public Health Committee.
  • Hearing: Scheduled for June 25, 2025 (10:00 AM–1:00 PM, in A-1).
  • Reporting date: Extended to October 21, 2025.
  • Legislative context: Similar matter previously considered (House 3607 in 2023-2024). This bill replaces or supersedes that prior filing; related bill designation HD 3966.

Potential Impact and Considerations

  • Benefits: Provides a clear legal mechanism for testing in exposure incidents, supports timely medical decision-making for exposed personnel, and protects privacy by restricting result disclosures to the exposed individual and their medical care provider.
  • Privacy and civil liberties: Results are restricted in distribution, addressing privacy concerns for both the potential transmission source and the exposed official.
  • Public health and safety: Aims to enhance post-exposure management and reduce uncertainty after high-risk exposures.
  • Implementation: Requires court involvement (Superior Court) for each testing order and coordination with healthcare providers.

This summary captures the bill’s main purpose, the substantive changes it would enact, who it would affect, and key procedural timeline items.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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