Can organizations and individuals outside the health department system, such as private medical providers and community-based organizations, be involved in the provision of partner services?
A. Private medical providers, community-based organizations, and other health and human services organizations (e.g., community health centers) can play an important role in maximizing partner services by identifying patients who have not received HIV/STD partner services or who need additional partner services and referring them to the local health department. In some areas, medical and service providers may be permitted to provide additional aspects of partner services, but they should work collaboratively with the local health department to ensure that their activities are consistent with local laws and regulations.
