The rules remove specific requirements for HIV testing, counseling, and partner services no longer recommended by CDC. The rule provides health care providers with the flexibility to offer HIV testing to all individuals. HIV testing rules require health care providers to:
Obtain the informed consent separately or with general consent for care.
Specifically inform the individual verbally or in writing that a test for HIV is included.
Offer an opportunity to ask questions and decline testing.
Notify the local health officer when a person tests positive in order to provide post-test counseling.
For pregnant women only, documentation of patient refusal of an HIV test is still required.
Flexibility to local health jurisdictions includes authorizing local health officers to directly perform partner services with a newly diagnosed HIV-positive individual rather than provide the services with the permission of the health care provider.
Urgent Information about Tamper Resistant Prescription Pads and Paper
Starting July 1, 2010, all medication prescribers must use approved paper. The new paper and pads are designed to reduce fraud and include a special seal from the Board of Pharmacy. Find out more at www.doh.wa.gov/hsqa/trpp.
