Relevant legislation | Responsibility | How to notify/Notification forms | More information
Notifications of HIV infection are required for each of the following stages of disease:
1. All cases of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection should be notified at the time of first identification in WA. This includes newly diagnosed cases, and cases who may have been diagnosed interstate or overseas and who subsequently consult a medical practitioner in WA.
2. All cases of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) should be notified at the time of first identification in Western Australia. This includes newly diagnosed AIDS cases, and cases who may have been diagnosed interstate or overseas and who subsequently attend a medical practitioner in WA.
3. All instances of a death in a person with HIV infection in WA (whether or not the death is AIDS related) should be reported by the attending medical practitioner, and irrespective of whether or not the person had previously been notified in this state with HIV/AIDS.
A person could therefore be notified on three separate occasions: at diagnosis of HIV infection, at diagnosis of AIDS, and at time of death.
Relevant legislation
The statutory requirement to notify communicable diseases, including HIV and AIDS is specified in the Health Act 1911, within Parts IX, X and XI.
Responsibility for notification
The medical practitioner or nurse practitioner who attends the patient is responsible for notification.
Pathologists responsible for pathology laboratories where cases of notifiable infectious diseases are diagnosed are also responsible for notification.
Notification by attending medical and/or nurse practitioners and laboratories is important to ensure complete ascertainment of cases, and because the information available from the two sources is complementary.
How to notify
Under the Health Act 1911, the Executive Director, Public Health must be notified of all HIV/AIDS cases and a death in a person with a HIV infection. Notifications are sent to the Director of the Communicable Disease Control Directorate.
The Director
Communicable Disease Control Directorate
Department of Health
PO Box 8172
Perth Business Centre WA 6849
Phone: |
(08) 9388 4852 |
Facsimile: |
(08) 9388 4848 |
A/H Emergency: |
(08) 9328 0553 |
The Notification of HIV/AIDS form (PDF 282KB) for notifying cases of HIV/AIDS is available as a PDF file or from the Communicable Disease Control Directorate
OR
Your regional Population Health Unit
The standard Department of Health Notification Form for all diseases can be used for the initial notification if necessary.
By convention, notifications of HIV, AIDS or death in a person with HIV infection are made using the first two letters of the family name and the first two letters of the given name.
Notification is due:
Preferably within two days of confirmation of diagnosis, and sooner if urgent contact tracing is necessary.
For more information regarding:
Contact the Communicable Disease Control Directorate on (08) 9388 4852
OR
Your regional Population Health Unit
