Now there is a shift to a middle position, called voluntary partner notification, encouraged by the Federal Government.

To talk about partner notification as the first step to the gulag shows a real confusion.

Health departments have staff who are trained to do partner notification and skilled at providing this free, confidential service.

Changes in partnerships and HIV risk behaviors after partner notification.

Two politically controversial programs - partner notification and needle-exchange programs - are also being undertaken by the county.

But Mr. Duane nonetheless is a critic of partner notification.

Assistance with confidential partner notification (without revealing the patient's identity) is available through local health departments.

Instead, voluntary partner notification should be encouraged and expanded.

Proponents of the new law say the current voluntary system of partner notification has been ineffective because few notifications were actually made.