In her article Bill provides an illusory peace of mind (May 4), Alison Symington suggests that proponents of Bill 18, The Testing of Bodily Fluids and Disclosure Act, have exaggerated the potential benefits of this legislation while oversimplifying ethical and legal issues.
Under this legislation, an expedited testing order for testing of body fluids such as blood or saliva that carry disease such as hepatitis or HIV may be sought only if the applicant seeking such an order is able to clearly prove a high risk exposure occurred. While it's true as outlined by Symington that the risk of HIV infection as a result of direct under skin exposure to HIV-positive blood is only 0.3 per cent, the risk of exposure to hepatitis in similar instances is significantly higher. Under-skin exposure to hepatitis C contaminates is six times higher than HIV at 1.8 per cent, while the same exposure to hepatitis B can range from six to 30 per cent. It's important to realize that Bill 18 is intended to address cases of high risk exposure to all three of these communicable diseases.
Throughout the course of advocating for legislation of this type in Manitoba (similar legislation already exists in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario and Nova Scotia), the Paramedic Association of Manitoba has sympathized with the need to balance the rights of both the source person and the individual seeking a blood-testing order. At no time have we suggested that a blood-testing order should be considered without first seeking voluntary consent when possible. Surveys conducted in both Canada and the U.S. conclude that up to 94 per cent of source individuals voluntarily agree to be tested when the importance of the information is explained to them. Bill 18 provides a measure of security in those few instances when voluntary consent cannot be obtained.
We recommend that all stakeholders be encouraged to work collaboratively to educate those affected by this legislation, not only on areas related to access and process, but also enhanced personal protection. But despite the best efforts of paramedics to take appropriate precautions to limit the possibility of a significant exposure, the very environment in which we work results in a potential for these exposures to occur that cannot be completely eliminated.
This legislation is not an extreme affront to those ordered to undergo testing as suggested by Symington, nor have we exaggerated the benefits of such legislation. Studies have shown that the consequences of occupational exposure to blood-borne pathogens cause psychological trauma to countless numbers of health care workers each year during the months of waiting for notification of their serological results. Blood-testing legislation, while not a cure for this stress, will address the issue and allow emergency personnel and Good Samaritans to make more informed decisions regarding personal and professional practices following such an exposure.
This legislation provides much more than illusory peace of mind. In support of Bill 18, paramedics across Manitoba have carefully considered the health and rights of everyone.
Eric Glass is chairman of the Paramedic Association of Manitoba.
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