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This page is devoted to the essential resources and implementation tools needed to establish a sustainable routine HIV screening program in your healthcare organization. Topics include Texas law related to HIV testing and reporting, testing technology, billing and reimbursement, referral essentials including medical and other support services, as well as HIV clinician hotlines.
Implementation Essentials
Routine HIV Testing as a Standard of Care – Implementation Essentials (DOC) – This checklist provides a step-by-step guidance for establishing a routine HIV screening program in your practice or clinic. Topics include obtaining leadership support, Texas law, referral information and resources, and other essential criteria to ensure a sustainable routine HIV screening program.
Recommendations & Guidelines
HIV and Texas Law
 Consent to Test
Texas law does not require a separate signed consent form to test for HIV. General consent and documentation of verbal consent are sufficient. Minors who have the capacity to consent may also consent to HIV testing. For specific information related to Texas law on consent, delivering positive test results, and reporting requirements, see the
HIV and Texas Law Fact Sheet (PDF).
Delivering Positive Test Results
Texas law requires that people receiving a positive HIV test result be given the opportunity for immediate, face-to-face counseling related to the meaning of the test and possible need for further testing and available resources. To learn more about Texas law and delivering results, see the
Texas Health and Safety Code §81.109.
HIV Reporting
HIV is a reportable disease under Texas Law. Requirements for reporting HIV test results are addressed in Texas Health and Safety Code
§81.041,
§81.042,
§81.043, &
§81.044 and Texas Administrative Code
§97.133 &
§97.134.
To report a positive HIV test result, submit a completed Adult HIV/AIDS Confidential Case Report Form (DSHS 13-13674) to your
local reporting authority within seven calendar days. Case report forms can be ordered from your
local reporting authority. Due to concerns about potential for misuse, case report forms are not available online.
Acute HIV cases must be reported by phone within one working day. For more information see the
DSHS HIV/STD Disease Reporting page.
Texas law supports current HIV screening recommendations. For specific information related to Texas law on consent, delivering positive test results, and reporting requirements read
HIV and Texas Law Fact Sheet (PDF).
Testing Technology
 Advances in HIV testing technology over the past few years has narrowed the window to diagnose HIV infection earlier than ever before. Fourth generation technology allows detection of the p24 antigen, one of the earliest markers to identify HIV infection, as early as 14 to 16 days after exposure.
For more information, read
Advantages and disadvantages of FDA-approved HIV immunoassays used for screening (PDF).
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LEARN MORE ABOUT SPECIFIC GUIDELINES AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR BOTH TYPES OF TESTING
The following resources provide more information about testing technology to help you choose which technology is most appropriate in your setting.
Conventional testing:
Updated guidelines for laboratory testing can be found on the CDC website. Updates include
Rapid testing (CLIA waived point of care testing):
Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments
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Reimbursement – Billing and Coding
The following resources will help your organization successfully seek reimbursement for routine HIV screening:
Delivering a Positive Test Result
When delivering a positive HIV result, patients should be given the opportunity for immediate, face-to-face counseling about several aspects of the test:
- the meaning of the test and possible need for further testing
- how to prevent transmission of HIV to others
- how to access available resources (see Referral Services below)
- the benefits of partner notification and availability of notification services for patients.
 You may deliver post-test counseling or you may contact your local health department so that a trained Disease Intervention Specialist (DIS) can deliver the test results. A DIS is a public health professional who regularly delivers positive test results and post-test counseling. The DIS will readily step in to provide test results to any patient if requested. Learn more about the DIS role in the fact sheet
Helping Texas Clinicians Achieve Disease Intervention (PDF).
Services for Patients Living with HIV
Medical and other support services
Review the program resources below available across Texas to help your patient stay in care.
-
 The
HRSA/Ryan White Program provides access to services for people who do not have sufficient health care coverage or financial resources to cope with HIV disease.
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Local providers across the state provide a wide range of services for those with HIV.
- The
Texas HIV Medication Program can help your patients afford HIV medications.
- An additional resource to help find an HIV provider and other services in your community for your patients is the
Referral Link on The American Academy of HIV Medicine website. You can search by provider name and/or by city. Refine your search by checking HIV Primary Care under the Primary Care Services section, select AAHIVM Credentialed Providers, and Payment Types that apply. Specialty care services and other services are also available.
Linkage and Retention in Medical Care
People with HIV have higher quality of life and a better prognosis when they are actively engaged in care. Your referral to an HIV specialist and follow-up may make all the difference to your patient. The
HIV Care Continuum illustrates how many people fall out of care.
To learn more about the progress being made in HIV patient care, read the Office of National AIDS Policy report
National HIV/AIDS Strategy Improving Outcomes: Accelerating Progress Along the HIV Care Continuum, December 2013 (PDF).
HIV Hotlines for Clinicians
- Perinatal HIV Hotline, PEPline, and Warmline – The Perinatal HIV Hotline (888-448-8765) and the PEPline (888-448-4911) are both available 24 hours, seven days per week. The Warmline (800-933-3413) is available 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Central, Monday through Friday. All consultations are free and confidential.
- Clinician Consultation Center – The Clinician Consultation Center at the University of California, San Francisco operates an HIV/AIDS Care Consultation line (1-800-933-3413), providing U.S. clinicians of all experience levels with prompt, expert responses to questions about managing HIV/AIDS, perinatal HIV, pre-exposure prophylaxis, and blood borne pathogen exposures. The Warmline is staffed by clinicians experienced in HIV care who can help you provide the best possible care to your HIV-positive patients.
- PEPline – The Clinician Consultation Center at the University of California, San Francisco operates the PEPLine (1-800-448-4911) to provide rapid, expert guidance in managing healthcare worker exposures to HIV and hepatitis B and C, including information on post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). Operates seven days a week, 10 a.m. to 3 a.m. CST
- PrEP – Clinically supported advice on PrEP for healthcare providers from the Clinician Consultation Center at University of California, San Francisco. Call 855-448-7737 or 855-HIV-PrEP for a phone consultation, Monday – Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. CST.
- Perinatal HIV Hotline – Operated by the Clinical Consultation Service at the University of California, San Francisco, the National Perinatal HIV Consultation and Referral Service (1-888-448-8765) offers healthcare providers around-the-clock advice on the testing and care of HIV-infected pregnant women and their infants. Consultation is provided on all levels of perinatal HIV management, including on complex and unique treatment dilemmas.
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Knowledge is power. Learning one’s positive serostatus is the first step for newly diagnosed HIV patients to get linked to care and treated early in the disease process with the potential to have a nearly normal lifespan.
- C. Everett Koop, Former Surgeon General of the United States
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