Under California law, if an applicant is required to take an HIV test for life insurance, which statement is FALSE?

The statement regarding a positive test result automatically disqualifying the applicant from coverage is false because under California law, the results of an HIV test cannot be the sole determining factor for disqualification from life insurance coverage. Insurers must consider an applicant's overall health and risk factors when assessing eligibility for coverage, rather than relying exclusively on the outcome of an HIV test.

In addition, California law imposes certain requirements on insurers when it comes to HIV testing. For instance, the requirement that the insurer must obtain the applicant's written consent ensures that individuals retain control over their health information. Keeping the test results confidential aligns with privacy protections designed to safeguard sensitive medical information. Furthermore, offering counseling services prior to and after the test provides applicants with support and information related to their health implications, which is a responsibility of the insurer to ensure informed decision-making. Thus, the correct answer is the one that states that a positive HIV test result leads to automatic disqualification, as this misrepresents the legal obligations and practices in California regarding life insurance applicants and HIV testing.