Summersgill urges hearing on HIV unique identifier amendment act
Gay and Lesbian Activists Alliance
PO Box 75265
Washington, DC 20013
202-667-5139
January 28, 2002
Councilmember Sandy Allen
Council of the District of Columbia
1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20004
Dear Ms. Allen:
You have not yet scheduled a hearing on bill 14-0326, "HIV Unique Identifier System Amendment Act of 2001."
The bill was co-introduced by Councilmembers Phil Mendelson, Sharon Ambrose, David Catania, Kevin Chavous, Jack Evans, and Jim Graham and is co-sponsored by Adrian Fenty. It clearly has wide support. However, it has languished in your committee for more than 4 months without a hearing being scheduled.
The bill will correct some technical problems in the existing regulations that implement a unique identifier HIV surveillance system. The current regulations require the reporting of a partial social security number. This is problematic for a variety of reasons, including discouraging people from getting tested for HIV. Epidemiological surveys must do no harm. The bill would keep that harm from occurring.
Please let us know when this important legislation will receive a hearing.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Bob Summersgill
President
Cc: Councilmember Phil Mendelson
Councilmember Sharon Ambrose
Councilmember David Catania
Councilmember Kevin Chavous
Councilmember Jack Evans
Councilmember Jim Graham
Councilmember Adrian Fenty
Councilmember Carol Schwartz
