What is the New York State Department of Healths policy regarding rapid testing in outpatient health settings?
The Department supports and encourages the use of rapid HIV testing in health care settings, provided that facilities adhere to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines and to State regulations. These regulations set forth requirements for performing HIV tests, providing HIV counseling, obtaining informed consent for HIV testing, protecting the confidentiality of HIV-related information, reporting cases of HIV/AIDS, and providing partner notification assistance services. In particular, rapid testing is consistent with the Department’s goal to integrate HIV counseling and testing into general primary care services delivered in a variety of health settings. New York State regulations require that women in prenatal care, regardless of specific risk factors, receive HIV counseling with testing presented as a clinical recommendation. Consistent with CDC guidelines, the Department also recommends that HIV testing be routinely recommended for clients in health settings loca
