Those who should be routinely counseled and testing for HIV antibody include persons who have sexually transmitted disease, IV-drug users, persons who consider themselves at risk, women of childbearing age at risk, persons planning marriage, persons undergoing medical evaluation or treatment, persons admitted to hospitals, persons in correctional systems, and prostitutes. Most states have medical confidentiality laws, usually as part of laws on communicable or sexually transmitted disease, medical records, licensure, or public health. In the past few years, however, more than two-thirds have enacted or are considering laws directly or indirectly dealing with the issue of HIV confidentiality and disclosure. A state-by-state rundown of current or pending HIV confidentiality and disclosure legislation is provided. Preventative measures in relation to sexual exposure to HIV include choosing safer sex practices and using barrier birth control methods. Since the most common nonsexual route of HIV transmission is via intravenous drug use accompanied by needle sharing preventative measures include the use of clean needles. 3 tables and 2 figures