Wisconsin lawmakers debate plan to screen inmates for HIV

MADISON (WPR) Inmates would have to get tested for HIV before they're released from prison under a plan introduced in the Wisconsin Assembly.

Right now inmates have the option of getting tested for HIV when they come to prison.  This plan would make it mandatory before they leave.  Some inmates would also have to be tested again six or seven months later if they're on extended release or parole.

Patricia McManus heads the Milwaukee-based Black Health Coalition of Wisconsin.  She says it's one way to address what she calls an epidemic of HIV among African Americans because released or paroled inmates don’t convey what’s happened to them while in prison, and continue to have relationships. 

“Our heterosexual female rate has gone up," adds McManus.

But the Department of Corrections' William Grosshans told lawmakers that the state should stick with voluntary testing, because it works.  Roughly 9 out of 10 inmates decide to get tested for HIV when they're admitted to prison.  Grosshan says mandatory testing has its issues, especially if inmates who leave prison don't get their required follow-up testing.  He says the DOC may be forced to make a tough decision as to whether the offender's parole, mandatory release or extended supervision should be revoked if the offender refuses to comply with mandatory retesting six to seven months after release.

If that happens, Grosshans says that could get expensive.  Corrections officials estimate it would cost roughly $1.7-million a year to enforce.

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Information from Wisconsin Public Radio, www.wpr.org