110.003 Prevention Activities Provided to State Agencies by the TB/HIV/STD Section and its Contractors

1.0 Purpose

This policy establishes the extent of HIV and sexually transmitted disease (STD) prevention activities in which the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), TB/HIV/STD Section (Section) and its contractors will participate with other state agencies and their contractors.
 

2.0 Background

DSHS is designated by state law as the primary resource in the state for HIV and STD education, prevention, risk reduction materials, policy, epidemiologic data, disease intervention training and consultation. The Section is the focal point for that activity within DSHS. Section responsibilities are met through staff activities and through contracts with various organizations that provide for the prevention of HIV/AIDS and STDs in the general population of the state. The organizations involved use the funds to fill gaps in services for HIV positive individuals and their families in a manner that does not duplicate the efforts of other entities. Due to their community affiliation, Section contractors and subcontractors are also called upon to assist local offices of various state agencies, or organizations that are under contract with the agencies.
 

3.0 Authority

V.T.C.A. Health and Safety Code, §81.052 §85.003, 85.004, 85.012, 85.081, 85.111, 85.112, 85.113, 85.114, 85.115, 85.141, 85.142, 85.143.
 

4.0 Activities in Which the Section and its Contractors Participate with State Agencies

The Section is designated as the primary resource in the state for HIV/AIDS and STD education, prevention, risk reduction materials, and information. While the major focus is on programs that impact local communities and certain groups who are at risk of contracting HIV and STDs, the Section also works cooperatively with other state agencies when the Section’s expertise is needed.
 

4.1 Model education program

The Section has developed an HIV/AIDS model education package (HIV/STD Policy No. 035.001) to which state agencies may refer in developing educational training for staff, clients, inmates, patients and/or residents in their facilities. The agency may either use the model education program provided by the Section or adapt the program to fit their particular needs. The Section or one of its contractors, upon request, may consult with a state agency that is developing or revising an educational program regarding HIV disease and provide factual scientific and epidemiologic information regarding HIV/AIDS and STDs. However, neither the DSHS nor its contractors will use funds appropriated through DSHS to develop specific educational material for a state agency other than for DSHS.
 

4.2 Model workplace guidelines

The Section has developed model HIV/AIDS workplace guidelines (HIV/STD Policy No. 302.001) that may be used by state agencies which desire to develop individualized guidelines. The Section, acting in an advisory capacity, will provide factual information regarding prevention and clinical practices to assist in the development of model workplace guidelines concerning persons who have HIV/AIDS or STDs and related conditions.
 

4.3 Universal precautions

Universal precautions regarding social or clinical interactions with persons who may have HIV/AIDS and/or STDs have been adopted by the Section. The Section will provide universal precaution materials to any state agency that employs staff who routinely have contact with persons with HIV/AIDS and/or STDs and desires to develop specific precautions for the agency.
 

4.4 Epidemiologic information

Pertinent epidemiologic information including projections and other analyses relative to HIV or STDs may be shared with state agencies to aid them in planning, developing and evaluating programs and services. The content of the information will conform to the limitations described in HIV/STD Policy No. 302.001 that deals with the publication and release of HIV/STD information.
 

4.5 HIV prevention counseling and partner elicitation (PCPE) training

The Section, through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), collaborates with the Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse (TCADA) in delivering a standardized PCPE training curriculum. Additional MOU’s may be established with other state agencies as necessary.
 

4.6 Other possible activities

The Section may enter into an MOU, memorandum of agreement (MOA) or qualified service organization agreement (QSOA) with any state agency to facilitate communication, coordination and action between the Section and the agency. The Section will not sign a contract with any agency to provide services that the other agency is obligated by law to provide, nor will the Section approve any funds for a contractor to provide those services.
 

5.0 Section Contractor Activities

5.1 Activities with other state agencies

Section contractors are allowed to provide HIV/STD prevention programs in substance abuse centers operating under the jurisdiction of the Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse (TCADA) as well as juvenile detention facilities operating under the Texas Juvenile Probation Commission, and juvenile correction facilities operating under the jurisdiction of the Texas Youth Commission. Contractors may also facilitate client referrals as needed by these facilities.
 

5.2 City and county jails and certain halfway houses

Contractor activities are allowed in city and county jails as well as other facilities that are not under contract with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ). Some halfway houses or parole centers operated by private companies are under contract with TDCJ to house parolees who have violated their parole. Contractor activities in any facility under contract with TDCJ are limited to those activities outlined in HIV/STD Policy 110.002 "HIV and STD Prevention Activities in State Prisons and Jails, Federal Prisons and Private Prisons." Contractors should be familiar with the policy to insure that funds are spent appropriately.
 

6.0 Section Responsibilities to State Agencies

The Section and its contractors will not be responsible for the direct delivery of HIV/AIDS or STD prevention activities to any state agencies unless specified otherwise in this policy, by law, or provided in contractual agreements or Memorandums of Understanding with such agencies.
 

7.0 Revision History