WHITEHORSE – Yukon government’s proposed Mandatory Testing and Disclosure Act protects first responders and victims of crime by mandating communicable disease testing.
“Emergency workers and enforcement officers put their health on the line every time they respond to a call,” Minister of Justice Marian C. Horne said. “This act would ensure their peace of mind if and when they come into contact with bodily fluids in the line of duty. It also gives victims of crime access to important information about their health.”
The Yukon government will begin consulting on whether or not emergency responders and victims of crime should have access to another person’s medical information after being exposed to a prescribed infection in the line of duty or as a victim.
A two-month targeted consultation with emergency response workers will help determine the shape of the new act. Consultation closes on February 6, 2009.
A draft of the act is available on the Department of Justice website.
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| Contact: | |
| Roxanne Vallevand Cabinet Communications 867-633-7949 roxanne.vallevand@gov.yk.ca |
Chris Ross Communications, Justice 867-393-7081 chris.ross@gov.yk.ca |
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