Are there training requirements for staff providing rapid testing in EDs?
Training for staff who provide rapid HIV testing visits is recommended rather than required. The Department of Health recommends that at least one staff member receive intensive HIV counselor training. Additional information on training is available on the Department of Health’s website. Current rapid HIV tests are classified as “waived” and therefore free from many of the requirements of the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act (CLIA). A waived test must be conducted in compliance with the manufacturer’s product insert instructions. There are no specific federal or state educational requirements concerning who can perform a waived test. The hospital’s clinical laboratory (if any) is responsible for the quality of rapid HIV testing in the ED and will conduct competency assessments of an ED staff member’s ability to perform the test. Competency assessments are recommended at periodic intervals after initial training.
