What type of crime is it to improperly disclose information regarding someone's HIV status?

Improperly disclosing someone's HIV status is classified as a misdemeanor because it involves the unauthorized sharing of sensitive personal health information, which is considered a lesser offense than a felony. Misdemeanors often carry penalties such as fines or short-term imprisonment, reflecting the serious yet less severe nature of such violations compared to felonies.

This classification also aligns with laws aimed at protecting individuals' privacy rights, particularly concerning health information. Violating these privacy protections not only infringes on personal rights but can also lead to social stigma or discrimination against those with HIV. In many jurisdictions, public policy emphasizes the importance of maintaining confidentiality regarding health information, thereby establishing that improper disclosure, while not as severe as certain felonies, warrants significant legal consequences as a misdemeanor.