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, and/or Emergency Services Entities

Policy Number 090.020
Effective Date August 23, 2002
Revision Date December 12, 2002
Approval Authority TB/HIV/STD Section Director

1.0 Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to briefly outline various laws, rules, and guidelines as well as model policies developed by the Department of State Health Services (DSHS), which affect entities such as correctional facilities, law enforcement agencies, fire departments, emergency medical service providers, and district probation departments that may be responsible for the custody and/or supervision of HIV/AIDS infected persons. The policy outlines the extent to which DSHS will work with affected entities in the adoption of the model policies and guidelines and provides information on how these entities may obtain copies of the model policies and guidelines.

2.0 Authority

Health and Safety Code §81.042, §81.041, §81.044, §81.048, §81.050, §81.051, §81.102, §81.107, §81.109, §§81.301-81.304 §85.003, §§85.141-85.143 and §97.144; Government Code, §501.054, §507.023, Criminal Procedure Code Art. 21.31, Art. 46A.01, Art. 56.02, Article 5115d, Revised, Article 5115e, Revised Statutes; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Guidelines for Prevention of Transmission of Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Hepatitis B Virus to Health-Care and Public-Safety Workers; current version of the DSHS Infection Control Manual for Public Health Clinics, DSHS Minimum Standards for Clinical Services for HIV/AIDS Projects.

3.0 Background

Correctional facilities, law enforcement agencies, fire departments, emergency medical providers and district probation departments are directed by law to adopt policies to facilitate the handling, care, and treatment of HIV/AIDS infected persons in their custody or under their supervision. DSHS is directed by Health and Safety Code §85.141 to develop model policies based on state law and accepted clinical standards to assist the affected entities as they develop their own policies and/or procedures to care for HIV infected individuals. The DSHS TB/HIV/STD Section (Section) is designated as the primary resource in the state for HIV/AIDS prevention and is charged with the development of model policies and guidelines regarding HIV/AIDS and STD treatment and prevention.

4.0 Who Must Use Model Policies

4.1 State or local entities

State law (HSC §85.142) requires the use of these policies by correctional facilities, law enforcement agencies, fire departments, emergency medical service providers and district probation departments who may be responsible for the custody, care and supervision of persons who are HIV/AIDS infected. This policy directly affects designated state agencies and their contractors including the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DARS), the Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services (DARS), the Texas Department of Family Protective Services (DFPS), the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, and the Texas Juvenile Justice Department.

5.0 Development of Policy Content

DSHS has determined the following subsections to be the core components from which correctional and law enforcement agencies, fire departments, and emergency medical service providers may further develop comprehensive HIV/AIDS policies specific to their facilities.

5.1 Model Education Program Used to Educate Employees About the HIV Disease and Its Progressive Stages

HSC §85.111 provides direction for the education of state employees and requires the dissemination of an educational pamphlet each year. Furthermore, each entity affected by this policy, according to Government Code §501.054 and §506.023, must conduct and document that educational programs are provided to employees at least once each calendar year. Training must include infection control procedures.

HIV/STD Policy 035.001 provides elementary guidelines for developing and implementing a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) employee education program. The program focuses on the behavior and activities of employees at work and the impact the disease has on employees. However, employers are urged to consider program content that includes behaviors and activities away from work that may expose an employee to the disease and affect work life. Upon request the Section will provide the latest medical information available on AIDS and HIV.

5.2 Education programs for inmates of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ)

Texas Statutes (Government Code §501.054 and §507.023) and each agency cited in HSC §85.113 must provide required education for inmates dealing with issues relevant to HIV/AIDS during confinement and after release from a correctional facility. The information must be based on cultural and other differences. In addition, the information must be presented in a manner to ensure that the inmate comprehends the materials. Therefore, the information must be provided in English or another language, sign, Braille, telecommunications devices for the deaf, or vernacular, and/or it must be presented using appropriate teaching methods aimed at low literacy or impaired skills (See also HSC §85.114).

5.3 HIV/AIDS model workplace guidelines for state agencies, and state contractors

DSHS encourages all state agencies and their contractors to establish workplace policies concerning persons with HIV/AIDS. HIV/STD Policy 020.006 provides a uniform approach to developing policies and education programs that address HIV/AIDS in the workplace. "HIV/AIDS Model Workplace Guidelines for Business, State Agencies, and State Contractors"; and adopted as HIV/STD Policy 020.006, are considered the minimum standards for the development of guidelines for state agencies and their contractors. These guidelines are the standard for health care facilities licensed by DSHS as stated in HSC §85.113, "Workplace Guidelines for State Contractors." Employers may adapt this model to fit the particular needs of their organization and work force. However, the content and intent must remain consistent with the model guidelines and the Texas Health and Safety Code.

HSC §§81.301-81.304 relating to the development of minimum standards for a Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure Control Plan must also be adopted by applicable entities whose employees may be exposed to such pathogens in the course of doing their work as outlined in that section. The components of this plan are outlined in Section 96 of the Health and Safety Code.

5.4 Prevention activities provided to state agencies by contractors of the Section

HIV/STD Policy 110.002 and 110.003 establish the extent of HIV and sexually transmitted disease (STD) prevention activities in which the Section and its contractors will participate with other state agencies and their contractors. Other prevention activities may be provided through a Memorandum of Understanding between the Section, its contractors and the affected entities. Collaborative efforts to address the HIV/AIDS disease in correctional facilities are required as outlined in 37 TAC, §157.49 (6).

5.5 Standard precautions preventing the spread of HIV

HIV/STD Policy 800.001 supports the implementation of infection control measures and the use of standard precautions needed to help prevent the spread of communicable diseases including HIV/AIDS. In that policy the Section adopted the procedures in U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Guidelines for Prevention of Transmission of Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Hepatitis B Virus to Health-Care and Public-Safety Workers and the most current version of the DSHS Infection Control Manual for Public Health Clinics as the methods of maintaining standard clinical precautions. The standard precautions should be followed when providing services to persons whose immune system may be compromised due to HIV infection. These persons are at greater risk of infections by communicable diseases such as tuberculosis or Hepatitis B than the general population.

In addition, facilities are to comply with 25 TAC Chapter 96, Bloodborne Pathogen Control which includes policies relating to occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens, training and educational requirements for employees, measures to increase vaccinations of employees, and increased use of personal protective equipment.

5.6 Clinical practice guidelines for persons with HIV disease

Clinicians providing care and services to persons with HIV disease should follow treatment guidelines from nationally recognized experts. These guidelines are available by contacting HIVinfo or by calling 800-448-0440.

5.7 Required reporting

Section 81.042 of the Health and Safety Code requires an administrator or health official of a penal or correctional institution to report a suspected case of a reportable disease, including HIV/AIDS and all information known concerning the person who has, or is suspected of having, the disease. This report is to be made to the local health authority or DSHS.

5.8 Confidentiality

Information pertaining to the HIV/AIDS status of an individual is confidential and is not considered a public record that may be obtained upon request. This information is considered to be a medical record. As such the transmission or sharing of this information must be accomplished in a manner that does not jeopardize or compromise confidentiality. State agencies are directed in HSC §85.115 to develop and implement guidelines regarding confidentiality of AIDS and HIV-related medical information for employees, clients, inmates, patients and residents served by an agency. These guidelines are to be consistent with guidelines published by DSHS as well as with state and federal law and regulations.

The Section has developed two policies dealing with the methods confidential information may be shared with appropriate entities to afford the greatest security for that information. The two policies are HIV/STD Policy No. 040.001 that discusses handling and transmitting confidential information and the other is HIV/STD Policy No. 550.001 that outlines the requirements for transmitting confidential medical information by Section contractors. (Also see TAC §97.146) Affected entities may review these policies to determine if portions of the policies may be used in their own jurisdiction.

Texas Administrative Code 163.41 also provides direction in dealing with confidentiality issues.

5.9 HIV serological testing

Informed and general consent HIV/AIDS testing in county and municipal jails

Except as otherwise provided by law, a person may not perform a test designed to identify HIV or it’s antigen or antibody without first obtaining the informed consent of the person to be tested. The medical record of the individual to be tested must contain documentation that the test has been explained and the consent has been obtained.

When a person has a signed and current general consent form allowing medical tests or procedures in effect, that person is not required to sign another form for tests or procedures to determine HIV infection, antibodies to HIV, or infection with any other probable causative agent of AIDS. Unless otherwise provided by law, the result of a test or procedure may be used only for diagnostic or other purposes directly related to medical treatment.

Testing pregnant women for HIV/AIDS

State law defines the requirements and timing for testing of a pregnant woman for, among other things, HIV/AIDS. The requirement pertains to the first examination of the woman and at the delivery of the child. The requirement applies to every physician or other person permitted by law to attend a pregnant woman during gestation or at delivery of the child. The institution or jail must comply with this law as it pertains to HIV/AIDS when dealing with an incarcerated, pregnant woman. More information may be found in HIV/STD Policy 120.100 and TAC §97.135.

Institutional or jail testing

An inmate confined in a facility operated by the Texas Department of Corrections Institutional and Jail Divisions may be tested for HIV/AIDS. An inmate having a positive test result may be segregated from other inmates according to the Government Code §501.054 and §507.023. Policies developed by affected entities shall assure that mandatory testing of persons in custody is based on the judgment of the attending/admitting physician or health authority or when ordered by the court.

HIV/AIDS testing in county and municipal jails

A county or municipality may test an inmate confined in the county or municipal jail or in a contract facility to determine the proper medical treatment of the inmate or the proper social management of the inmate or other inmates in the jail or facility. The county or municipality may segregate an inmate that has a positive test result for HIV/AIDS (Criminal Procedure Code, Art. 46A.01). Neither the county nor the municipality has the duty to test for HIV/AIDS.

Mandatory testing of persons suspected of exposing certain other persons to reportable diseases, including HIV infection.

A paid or voluntary law enforcement officer, fire fighter, emergency medical service employee or paramedic, or a correctional officer may request that the DSHS or a health authority order testing of another person for HIV infection. The affected individual, under HSC §81.050, may make such a request only if the individual believes that such exposure to HIV infection occurred while caring for another person while in the course of employment or volunteer service. The request for testing must be sent to the DSHS or a health authority with an affidavit that outlines the reason for the request.

A qualified DSHS designee will determine if the request meets the criteria of the United States Public Health Service which determines what activities pose a risk of infection. When the request is approved, the DSHS designee will issue confidential written notice of the order to the person to be tested and provide other information regarding the rights of the person to be tested.

Once the testing is completed, the DSHS designee notifies the person who requested the test of the results and provides any follow up to that person and the person who was tested if the test is positive.

Counseling required for positive test results

A positive test result may not be revealed to the person tested without giving that person the immediate opportunity for individual, face-to-face post-test counseling to include:

  1. the meaning of the test result;

  2. the possible need for additional confirmatory testing;

  3. measures to prevent the transmission of HIV and change behavior conducive to HIV transmission;

  4. the benefits of partner notification, and

  5. the availability and use of partner notification programs.

Partner notification

A health care professional is required to inform a partner notification program when the health care professional knows the HIV positive status of a patient and the health care professional has actual knowledge of possible transmission of HIV to a third party. Therefore, when a person who is HIV infected voluntarily discloses the name of a partner, the health care professional in an institutional or jail setting must inform the local health authority. Inform the patient that notifying the local health authority is not negotiable, but assure the patient that partner names may be used only for field investigation and notification and that the name of the HIV positive person will not be disclosed.

The local health authority must notify the partner of an HIV infected person whether the person with HIV infection does or does not consent to the notification. The entity authorized to provide partner notification may not disclose the name (or other identifying information) of the person who gave the partner's name or the date or period of the partner's exposure.

6.0 Section Responsibilities

The Section will not be responsible for the direct delivery of HIV/AIDS prevention activities to correctional facilities, law enforcement agencies, fire departments, emergency medical services providers or district probation offices unless specified to do so by law or through memorandums of understanding with such entities. The Section will review these policies as necessary with representatives from the affected entities to ensure that they contain up-to-date information.

7.0 Contacting the Section for Information

The model policies are available by calling the Section’s Health Communication and Community Engagement Group at 737-255-4300.

8.0 Other Resources

Employers are encouraged to contact the Section by calling 737-255-4300 or writing to the Section’s Health Communication and Community Engagement Group at Post Office Box 149347, MC 1873, Austin, Texas 78714 for information, pamphlets and other educational materials. Employers may call 2-1-1 for information about education resources in the local community. Information and educational materials may also be obtained by referring to the Section's website. The Section's website includes links to local HIV/STD service agencies and all Section policies.

National resources include the CDC National Prevention Information Network (NPIN) found online at npin.cdc.gov.

9.0 Revision History

Date Action Section
9/1/2017 Changed "TB/HIV/STD Unit" to "TB/HIV/STD Section" to reflect new program designation -
9/4/2014 Converted format (Word to HTML) -
12/30/2002 Date of last review All