Ethical and legal issues in the treatment of patients with AIDS

For the foreseeable future in Texas, AIDS will present a formidable challenge to practitioners, medically and ethically. Testing should continue to focus on individuals in high-risk groups, although some professionals encourage broader, voluntary screening. Because the disease is currently fatal, physicians and patients need to address decisions concerning life-sustaining treatment before the disease becomes advanced. Two new acts, the revised Texas Natural Death Act and the new Durable Power of Attorney allow parties to plan ahead rationally with legal protection. Other new pieces of legislation, passed by the 71st Texas Legislature, address timely issues such as consent for testing, notification of others, protection of health care workers, and guidelines for insurance companies. Physicians may have a moral and professional obligation to treat AIDS victims, although this is not mandated by current state law.