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HIV Testing – The New York State Department of Health’s Experience: 

HIV Testing – The New York State Department of Health’s Experience Dan O’Connell Director, Division of HIV Prevention New York State Department of Health AIDS Institute April 4, 2007

HIV Testing Context: 

HIV Testing Context Approximately half of all New Yorkers between the ages of 18 and 64 report having been tested for HIV, and each year 2 million are tested for the first time or are retested. There may still be 30,000 or more New Yorkers who are HIV-infected but don’t know it. A significant percentage of newly identified HIV cases in New York are concurrent with or within a year of an AIDS diagnosis.

NYS DOH Testing Initiatives : 

NYS DOH Testing Initiatives The New York State Department of Health funds 98 contracts for counseling and testing at a wide variety of health and human organizations ranging from the largest hospitals to the smallest community based organizations. Sites include prisons, jails, drug treatment programs, community health centers, vans, multi-service agencies, syringe exchange programs, etc. Partial reimbursement is offered to all 58 local health units (57 counties and NYC) for HIV counseling and testing through the State’s Article VI Program. Counseling and testing is a Medicaid fundable service at 310 facilities with more than 85,000 tests being conducted in the most recent year, generating $10.7 million in annual revenue.

NYS DOH Testing Initiatives (Cont’d): 

NYS DOH Testing Initiatives (Cont’d) In 2006, NYS adopted new Medicaid rates for HIV testing in Emergency Rooms. The rates vary by region with the average being $104.66 for testing and $101.29 for a post-test positive counseling session.

NYS DOH Testing Initiatives (Cont’d): 

NYS DOH Testing Initiatives (Cont’d) New York State’s HIV Anonymous Counseling and Testing program conducts 20,000 tests per year. The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene has a very large and aggressive testing program as well. The AIDS Institute provides access to free rapid test kits and technical assistance.

NEW YORK STATE TESTING Article 27-F PHL: 

NEW YORK STATE TESTING Article 27-F PHL Requires prevention counseling and written informed consent for HIV testing DOH 2005 Guidance on HIV Counseling, Testing and Laboratory Reporting Requirements Streamlined approach to counseling Simplified informed consent form and process

Simplified Consent Form: 

Simplified Consent Form

New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation: 

New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation Increased testing from 58,785 in FY 2005 to 92,123 in FY 2006. Increased the number HIV infected persons being tested from 720 in FY 2005 to 1,510 in FY 2006.

Community Healthcare Network: 

Community Healthcare Network Increased testing from10,423 in 2003 to 14,972 in 2005

Current Status: 

Current Status In 2006, State legislation was proposed but not passed that would have revised the requirement for specific HIV written consent. AIDS Advisory Council members are split between adoption of opt out routine testing in medical settings and maintenance of all protections offered by Article 27-F. Perhaps a compromise is possible that will allow for verbal consent similar to what is being piloted in San Francisco.