Cuomo Announces New Measures To Fight HIV/AIDS Epidemic

ALBANY, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- New York state Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Sunday announced that he is advancing legislation to help end the HIV/AIDS epidemic in New York state.

The legislation involves several new initiatives that would build on steps already taken, but which have made New York state a national leader in providing treatment and support services to those with HIV/AIDS, the governor's office said.

The legislation would increase the number of people who will be linked and remain in care, thus allowing HIV-related information to be shared more easily.

It would also streamline HIV testing efforts and raise the upper age limit for the state's HIV Testing Law above the current age of 64. The governor's office noted that half of all people living with HIV in New York state are 50 or older.

The legislation would further clarify that minors have the right to live-saving, and confidential, HIV treatment and preventive services without parental consent, and expand the opportunities for STD screening and prophylactics for after exposure, the governor's office said.

The goal is to lower the number of new HIV infections per year in the state from an estimated 3,000 now to 750 by 2020.