R386-702-15. Special Measures for the Control of HIV/AIDS

  (1) Partner identification and notification:

  (a) If an individual is tested and found to have an HIV infection, the Department and/or local health department shall provide partner services, linkage-to-care activities, and promote retention to HIV care.

  (2) Definitions:

  (a) "Partner" is defined as any individual, including a spouse, who has shared needles, syringes, or drug paraphernalia or who has had sexual contact with an HIV infected individual.

  (b) "Spouse" is defined as any individual who is the marriage partner of that person at any time within the ten-year period prior to the diagnosis of HIV infection.

  (c) "Linkage to care" is defined by a reported CD4+ T-Lymphocyte test and/or HIV viral load determination within three months of HIV positive diagnosis.

  (d) "Retention to care" is defined by a reported CD4+ T-Lymphocyte test or HIV viral load determination once within a 12-month period.

  (3) Partner services include:

  (a) Confidential partner notification within 30 days of receiving a positive HIV result or when relevant additional information is found to aide in an investigation or case management;

  (b) Prevention counseling;

  (c) Testing for HIV;

  (d) Providing recommendations for testing for other sexually transmitted diseases;

  (e) Providing recommendations for hepatitis screening and vaccination;

  (f) Treatment or linkage to medical care on an ongoing basis, as needed; and

  (g) Linkage or referral to other prevention services and support.

  (4) Re-engagement to care includes:

  (a) Linkage to medical care, on an ongoing basis, as needed;

  (b) Linkage or referral to other prevention services and support;

  (c) Confidential partner notification, as needed;

  (d) Prevention counseling;

  (e) Providing recommendations for testing for other sexually transmitted diseases;

  (f) Providing recommendations for hepatitis screening and vaccination;

  (g) Medication adherence counseling; and

  (h) Risk reduction counseling.