HIV/STD Program
The Department of State Health Services (DSHS) HIV/STD Program has the duty to identify, report, prevent, and control HIV, AIDS, and STDs in the State of Texas.
HIV/STD Basics
- Get tested for HIV or STDs
- Testing positive for HIV: what's next?
- Find medical and support services
- Get help with medications
- Learn about PrEP
- HIV/STD educational materials
- Learn more about HIV and other STDs
Healthcare Providers
- How to report HIV and STDs
- HIV/STD testing and treatment guidelines
- Help patients connect with services
- Help patients get medications
- Learn about PrEP
- Expedited Partner Therapy
- DSHS Laboratory
DSHS HIV/STD Contractors
- HIV prevention
- HIV medical and support services
- Routine HIV testing
- STD prevention and treatment
- HIV/STD surveillance
- Funding information
- Training
Reports, Data, and Policies
- HIV/STD Program reports
- Interactive data: new HIV diagnoses | persons living with HIV | chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis
- Data requests
- Texas HIV/STD laws, rules, and authorization
- Program policies and procedures
Other Resources
TakeChargeTexas | THISIS | HIV and the Workplace | HIV Cluster Detection and Response | Texas HIV Syndicate | Medical Monitoring Project (MMP) | Texas Black Women's Initiative
Recent News
DSHS Endorses DoxyPEP
On June 6, 2024, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published the CDC Clinical Guidelines on the Use of Doxycycline Post-Exposure Prophylaxis for Bacterial Sexually Transmitted Infection Prevention.
The CDC's Dear Colleague Letter endorses DoxyPEP as the first new STD prevention tool in decades. DoxyPEP is the self-administration of 200 mg of doxycycline within 72 hours after sex to prevent bacterial STD acquisition.
Texas supports this endorsement as DoxyPEP has proven to reduce the risk of getting a bacterial STD for:
- Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men, and
- Transgender women are at increased risk for infections.
These infections are specific to syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea.
Point of Care Testing for Syphilis
The National Syphilis and Congenital Syphilis Syndemic Federal Task Force created the Considerations for the Implementation of Point of Care (POC) for Syphilis document. The document addresses the challenges in diagnosis and treatment of syphilis developed considerations for point of care testing. The document emphasizes the often-asymptomatic nature of the infection and discusses the implementation of POC tests to facilitate rapid diagnosis and treatment during the same visit.
POC tests for syphilis differs from the traditional laboratory-based serologic testing primarily in specimen collection, time to result, need for confirmation, and sensitivity/specificity. While POC tests offers rapid results using whole blood from a fingerstick, it lacks the comprehensive assessment provided by laboratory-based tests, requiring confirmation and follow-up. It also underscores that laboratory-based testing remains the preferred option, particularly for individuals with a history of syphilis and low-risk individuals. Despite lower sensitivity and specificity, POC tests can be valuable, especially in settings with high incidence rates or where access to healthcare is limited.
View the Considerations for the Implementation of Point of Care (POC) for Syphilis document on the National Network of STD Prevention Training Centers webpage.
Texas DSHS Austin Laboratory Offers N. gonorrhoeae Culture and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (AST)
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently issued a Dear Colleague Letter describing two gonococcal infections with concerning lab results identified in Massachusetts (see clinical alert). The first case had a cultured isolate that showed decreased susceptibility to ceftriaxone, cefixime, and azithromycin, as well as resistance to ciprofloxacin, tetracycline, and penicillin. Molecular testing confirmed that the reduced susceptibility to ceftriaxone was caused by a mutation in the penA60 allele, and a second case was found to have the penA60 allele through molecular surveillance. Although both cases were successfully clinically and microbiologically cured following treatment with ceftriaxone, these findings are concerning. Clinicians should be vigilant for suspected gonorrhea treatment failure. The Texas DSHS fact sheet Management of Gonorrhea Treatment Failure is a clinical resource. Local and regional health departments can consult the DSHS Antibiotic-Resistant Gonorrhea: Public Health Follow-up Guidelines in the event of a suspected or confirmed infection.
The Texas DSHS Austin Laboratory is now offering N. gonorrhoeae culture and antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) free of charge to all submitters in Texas. Providers are encouraged to enroll as a Texas DSHS Austin Laboratory submitter now and order specimen collection swabs from the laboratory. Please see full notice from the Texas DSHS Austin Laboratory.
Expedited Partner Therapy
Sexually transmitted diseases continue to increase despite years-long prevention efforts to reduce the transmission of undiagnosed infections. Expedited Partner Therapy (EPT) is an intervention that has demonstrated successful outcomes by making it possible for providers to reach exposed partners who are unable or unwilling to come to the clinic. EPT is endorsed by CDC and many health organizations, like the Texas Medical Association. The HIV/STD Section Director released a Dear Provider Letter containing DSHS provider recommendations to routinely offer EPT to clients and promote partner treatment. Learn more about Expedited Partner Therapy in Texas.
Exploring an Epidemic: Congenital Syphilis in Texas Podcast
The Exploring an Epidemic: Congenital Syphilis in Texas podcast series aims to increase awareness and build shared knowledge in the management and prevention of syphilis and congenital syphilis for the public health workforce and their partner agencies who care for women of reproductive age and their babies. The series focuses on key strategies for providers, clinical administrators, clinic support staff, DIS, and the community to decrease the rising rate of syphilis and congenital syphilis in Texas. It aims to enhance syphilis screening, provide timely syphilis treatment, and work collaboratively to prevent new cases of congenital syphilis.
The podcast is a collaborative effort with the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Congenital Syphilis team, Public Health Follow-up staff, and the Denver Prevention Training Center. Listeners can find the podcast on platforms such as Apple, Spotify, and Google podcast by searching “Exploring an Epidemic: Congenital Syphilis in Texas.” Listen to the Exploring an Epidemic Podcast.
Home Testing and Home Self-Collection Guidance
DSHS provided interim guidance on the creation of policies for the use of FDA-approved home testing kits for HIV and Laboratory Developed Tests for self-collection kits for HIV, STDs, hepatitis C, and tests required for PrEP prescriptions. DSHS intends the interim guidance for use by programs funded or otherwise supported by the DSHS HIV/STD Section. Learn more about home testing | Home Testing and Self Collection Guidance
This site contains HIV or STD messages that may not be deemed appropriate for all audiences. Since HIV and other STDs are spread primarily through sexual practices or by sharing needles, messages, and programs may address these topics. If you are not seeking such information or may be offended by such materials, please exit this website. Photos on this website are all posed by a model.
- About the DSHS HIV/STD Program
- Contact Us
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- HIV Administrative Agencies
- HIV/STD Service Providers – Abilene – Amarillo – Arlington – Austin
- HIV/STD Service Providers – Beaumont – Belton – Bryan
- HIV/STD Service Providers – Cameron – Cleveland – Corpus Christi – Cotulla
- HIV/STD Service Providers – Dallas – Denton
- HIV/STD Service Providers – Eagle Pass – El Paso
- HIV/STD Service Providers – Farmers Branch – Fort Worth
- HIV/STD Service Providers – Galveston
- HIV/STD Service Providers – Hallettsville – Harlingen – Hillsboro – Houston
- HIV/STD Service Providers – Killeen – Kingsville
- HIV/STD Service Providers – Laredo – Longview – Lubbock – Lufkin
- HIV/STD Service Providers – McAllen – McKinney – Midland
- HIV/STD Service Providers – Nacogdoches – Odessa
- HIV/STD Service Providers – Palestine – Plano – Richmond – Robstown
- HIV/STD Service Providers – San Angelo – San Antonio – San Marcos – Sherman
- HIV/STD Service Providers – Temple – Texarkana – Texas City – Tyler
- HIV/STD Service Providers – Uvalde – Victoria – Waco – Wichita Falls
- HIV and STD Testing in Texas
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- Epi Profile – Data Sources and Notes
- Epi Profile Section 1 – Executive Summary
- Epi Profile Section 2 – Texans Living with HIV in 2018
- Epi Profile Section 3 – Texans with New HIV Diagnoses
- Epi Profile Section 4 – New Diagnoses in MSM
- Epi Profile Section 5 – Texans with Newly Acquired HIV
- Epi Profile Section 6 – Deaths in Texans Living with HIV
- Epi Profile Section 7 – Comorbidities in Texans Living with HIV
- Epi Profile Section 8 – HIV Testing in Programs Funded by the Department of State Health Services
- Epi Profile Section 9 – Sex and Substance Use in PLWH
- Epi Profile Section 10 – Sex and Substance Use in People at Increased Risk for HIV in Dallas, Texas
- Epi Profile Section 11 – HIV Treatment Cascade
- Epi Profile - Table Appendix
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- Border Report Section 1 – Executive Summary
- Border Report Section 2 – HIV, STDs, and TB in the Texas-Mexico Border Region
- Border Report Section 3 – Population and Demographics of the Texas-Mexico Border Region
- Border Report Section 4 – HIV Diagnoses and People Living with HIV
- Border Report Section 5 – Sexually Transmitted Diseases
- Border Report Section 6 – Tuberculosis
- Border Report – Table Appendix
- HIV and Viral Hepatitis Prevention and Treatment Resources in Texas
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Contractor Resources – HIV Medical and Psychosocial Support Services Open submenu links Close submenu links
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- Public Comment on the Updated HIV Standards of Care
- Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS
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- THISIS Help Desk
- THISIS Training Manuals
- THISIS Resources and Forms
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- THISIS Tip Sheets
- THISIS Workflows
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- THISIS FAQ – Labs
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- THISIS FAQ – Clinical
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- THISIS FAQ – Workflows
- THISIS FAQ – HIV Surveillance
- THISIS FAQ – Notes
- THISIS FAQ – Partner-Clusters
- THISIS FAQ – Public Health Follow-Up
- THISIS FAQ – Reporting-Morbidity
- THISIS FAQ – Reports
- THISIS FAQ – Risk Factors
- THISIS FAQ – Syphilis
- THISIS FAQ – Case Assignment Field Record
- THISIS FAQ – Co-Infection Management
- THISIS FAQ – Congenital Syphilis
- THISIS FAQ – Facilities
- THISIS FAQ - General
- THISIS FAQ – Assigning and Tracking Cases-Field Records
- THISIS FAQ – Helpful Tips
- THISIS Glossary
- DSHS TB/HIV/STD Security and Database Account Management
- Medical Monitoring Project (MMP)
- Texas HIV Surveillance Procedure Manual
- HIV/AIDS Data Changes 2010
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- Contractor Resources – Routine HIV Testing
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- HIV/STD Planning
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- 700.006 Multi-Month and Special Circumstance Medication Supply and Coverage
- 700.007 Texas Insurance Assistance Program
- PMCY01 Prescription Medication Shortages
- 591.000 The Use of Ryan White Part B Funds for Incarcerated People Living with HIV (PLWH), Recently Released, or Otherwise Judicially Involved in Texas
- 700.003 HIV Medication Participating Site Eligibility Criteria
- 700.004 HIV Medications Ordering Process for Pharmacies
- LIDS 2021.001 Program Income
- 2012.01 Overall Responsible Party for HIV/STD Surveillance Data
- 2011.04 Breach of Confidentiality Response
- 2011.01 Confidential Information Security
- 090.001 Roles and Responsibilities of the Section Regarding Contractors
- 090.020 Model Policies for Handling, Caring and Treating Persons Infected with a Sexually Transmitted Disease (Including HIV/AIDS) While in the Custody, Supervision or Care of Correctional, Law Enforcement, or Emergency Services Entities
- 090.002 HIV Client Services Funding Allocation Formula
- 090.010 Contract Monitoring
- 120.100 HIV Testing of Pregnant Women
- 302.001 Release of Tuberculosis (TB), Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) and Viral Hepatitis Data
- 530.002 Section Expectations and Provider Rights Regarding the Delivery of Client Service
- 530.003 How to Deal With Clients Who Threaten to Harm Themselves or Others
- 590.001 DSHS Funds as Payment of Last Resort
- 110.002 HIV and STD Prevention Activities in State Prisons and Jails, State Juvenile Justice Facilities, Municipal and County Jails, Federal Prisons, and Private Prisons
- 130.001 Condom Distribution Non-Contracting Prevention Sites
- 220.001 Eligibility to Receive HIV Services
- 231.001 TakeChargeTexas (TCT) Security
- 231.000 TakeChargeTexas (TCT) Users
- 231.002 Administrative Agency Data Managers’ Core Competencies
- 231.003 TCT Data Improvement Plan
- 241.001 Administrative Agency Roles and Responsibilities
- 241.003 Subcontracting HIV Health and Support Services
- 241.004 Administrative Agency Requirements for Community Input
- 241.005 Conflict of Interest in Administrative Agencies
- 241.006 Reallocation of HIV Client Services Funds
- 260.002 Health Insurance Assistance
- 270.001 Calculation of Estimated Expenditures on Covered Clinical Services
- 280.001 Sub-Contracting HIV Core and Support Services by an Administrative Agency
- 420.002 Provider Selection Criteria and Requirements for the Texas Infertility Prevention Project
- 700.001 Texas HIV Medication Program Requests to Change State HIV Medication Formulary
- 700.005 Medicare Part D
- 2023.015 Orders for Control of Transmission of HIV and STDs in Texas
- 2023.004 340B Patient Eligibility
- 2023.005 Covered Entity Eligibility and Central Distribution Model Participation
- 2023.006 Prevention of Diversion of 340B Medication
- 2023.008 Covered Entity Ordering and Inventory Tracking
- 2023.009 340B Material Breach Policy
- 2023.010 340B Database Registration, Recertification, and Review
- 2023.011 Penicillin G Benzathine (Bicillin) Treatment
- 2023.013 340B Authorizing Official Back-up
- 2023.007 Prevention of Duplicate Discounts
- 2023.016 340B Roles, Responsibilities, Training and Education
- PIOS User Access
- 700.002 Right to Limit the Number of Clients Assigned to a Pharmacy
- Repealed Policies and Procedures
- Model Workplace Guidelines
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- 2016.01 HIV/STD Section Confidential Information Security
- 2021.01 Appeals Requests Related to the Texas HIV Medication Program
- 020.050 Public Complaints Related to the Delivery of Section Programs
- 900.002 Completing the Contractor Risk Assessment Tool
- 2020.01 Quality Assurance for the Texas HIV Medication Program’s Eligibility Processes
- HIV/STD Security Policies and Procedures
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- POPS Chapter 1 – Focused HIV Testing, Counseling, and Linkage to Care for HIV Prevention
- POPS Chapter 2 – Quality Assurance for Focused HIV Testing, Counseling, and Linkage to Care for HIV Prevention
- POPS Chapter 7 – HCV Testing
- POPS Chapter 8 – HIV/STD Surveillance
- POPS Chapter 9 – Disease Intervention Specialist Performance Standards
- POPS Chapter 3 – HIV/STD Partner Services and Seropositive Notification
- POPS Chapter 4 – HIV Testing in STD Clinics
- POPS Chapter 13 – Administrative Agency Core Competencies
- POPS Chapter 10 – First-Line Supervisors Performance Standards
- POPS Chapter 11 – Regional and Local Health Department HIV/STD Program Manager Performance Standards
- POPS Chapter 12 – STD Clinical Standards
- POPS Chapter 16 – Routine HIV Screening in Healthcare Settings
- POPS Chapter 19 - Individual and Group HIV Prevention Interventions
- POPS Chapter 15 – Client Referral Standards
- POPS Chapter 17 - Health Insurance Program Standards
- POPS Chapter 18 – Pick-Up And Delivery Of Prescription And Over-The-Counter Medications Standards
- POPS Chapter 14 – Client File Organization, Content, and Security Standards
- POPS Chapter 22 – Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and Non-occupational Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (nPEP)
- POPS Chapter 20 – Direct Client Services Volunteer Programs Standards
- POPS Chapter 24 – Structural Interventions for HIV Prevention
- POPS Chapter 23 – Congenital Syphilis
- POPS Chapter 25 – Tangible Reinforcements for HIV Prevention
- POPS Appendix F – CDC Surveillance Case Definitions
- Laws, Rules, and Authorization
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- Records Retention