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PAN has been advised by the BC Centre for Disease Control of recent announced changes to HIV testing and reporting in BC following an amendment to the Reporting Information Affecting Public Health Regulation under the Public Health Act.
As of May 15, 2026, the option for non-nominal reporting (removing an individual’s name and identifiers when a positive HIV result is reported to Public Health) is no longer available. The stated reason for this change is to “bring BC in alignment with other Canadian provinces and territories, and to reflect advances in digital health systems and other approaches to protecting privacy.” The letter notes that individuals may still be able to access non-nominal testing, including testing under a pseudonym at select clinics, online testing services, and HIV self-testing kits. Information about how people can access these options is detailed in the BCCDC’s announcement.
HIV testing options
As noted above, you or someone you know can still test for HIV without using your or their real name (e.g. using a fake name or initials and limited identifiers) at some non-profit or publicly funded health clinics; this is what is known as non-nominal testing. Getting tested and treated using a fake name isn’t available at all clinics because your personal information is needed for services to be covered by government or private insurance.
Here are some options for HIV testing that offer privacy and confidentiality:
- Use the clinic finder on SmartSexResources to find a clinic offering the service ‘use a fake name for testing’. This option is only available at some clinics or laboratories because in many cases your personal information is needed for services to be covered by government or private insurance.
- GetCheckedOnline is an online service that allows you to get tested for sexually transmitted and bloodborne infections without seeing a healthcare provider. Check to see if it is available in your community.
- If you or someone you know is interested in accessing HIV self-test kits, the I’m Ready app is available on IOS and Android platforms, and allows users to order up to two free HIV self-test kits for delivery (anywhere in Canada) or pickup at one of 60 participating community agencies across Canada. The app guides users step-by-step before, during and after testing and allows them to anonymously submit results. Participants also receive personalized follow-up resources, including education on PrEP, PEP, safe sex, and confirmatory testing.
PAN recognizes this may pose challenges as not all options are available in all communities – leading to concerns as how this change may impact privacy, trust, and ability to access HIV testing. As the changes take effect, we will work with our members to gather feedback about possible impacts and implications of these changes in community, and to provide more information about the anonymous and confidential testing options that are available.