New York, Aug 1 (IANS): The state of New York has passed a law that allows HIV tests on corpses and people in coma.

New York Governor David Paterson has signed a bill into law that will permit the tests, Fox News reported.

The law also allows anonymous testing for citizens of the state. It also means New Yorkers can give permission to get tested for HIV as a part of their general signed consent to medical care. It also allows people to give verbal consent for a rapid HIV test, officials said.

"The enactment of this bill represents a significant step forward in combating the HIV/AIDS epidemic," Paterson said.

"By making HIV testing a routine part of healthcare, this legislation will increase HIV testing rates, letting people learn their status and begin treatment at an earlier stage, which can significantly improve the length and quality of life and help reduce transmission of the disease," he said.

The legislation also means that the blood of a dead person, someone in a coma, or a person unable to give consent can be anonymously tested for HIV if that person's blood has exposed someone, such as a healthcare worker, and no one with the authority to give consent to test can be found in time for the exposed worker to start HIV treatment.