Massachusetts § 70F - HIV test; informed consent; disclosure of results or identity of subject of test
Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 70F — HIV test; informed consent; disclosure of results or identity of subject of test, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 70F. HIV test; informed consent; disclosure of results or identity of subject of test
Section 70F. A facility, as defined in section 70E, physician or health care provider shall not (1) test any person for the presence of the HIV antibody or antigen without first obtaining that person's verbal informed consent; (2) disclose the results of such test to any person other than the subject of the test without first obtaining the subject's written informed consent; or (3) identify the subject of such tests to any person without first obtaining the subject's written informed consent. A written consent form shall state the purpose for which the information is being requested and shall be distinguished from written consent for the release of any other medical information.
No employer shall require HIV antibody or antigen tests as a condition for employment.
Whoever violates this section shall be considered to have violated section 2 of chapter 93A.
For the purpose of this section ''written informed consent'' shall mean a written consent form for each requested release of the results of an individual's HIV antibody or antigen test or for the release of medical records containing such information.
It shall not be a violation of this section for any physician, health care provider, health care institution or laboratory to report information to the department of public health under chapter 111 or chapter 111D and regulations promulgated thereunder. No physician, health care provider, health care institution or laboratory required to report shall be liable in any civil or criminal action by reason of any such report.
This section shall not apply to premortem and postmortem serological testing for purposes of donation under chapter 113A.
Source: official Massachusetts text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 70F
What does Massachusetts General Laws § 70F cover?
Section 70F ("HIV test; informed consent; disclosure of results or identity of subject of test") is part of the Massachusetts General Laws, the codified statutory law of Massachusetts. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Massachusetts § 70F?
A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 70F" (Massachusetts). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Massachusetts law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Massachusetts official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Massachusetts attorney.
How does Massachusetts § 70F apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Massachusetts can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Massachusetts.