Yes — the duty to protect extends to sexual partners of patients with communicable diseases.

No — HIV status is absolutely confidential and can never be disclosed without patient consent.

This is jurisdiction-specific. Some states have partner notification laws that allow or require disclosure to at-risk sexual partners, while others do not. The PMHNP should consult applicable state law and may also consider referral to the local health department, which typically has established protocols for partner notification.

The PMHNP should disclose only if the patient is not taking antiretroviral medication.