What is the process for recommending HIV testing in the ED?
Emergency Departments should follow the New York State Department of Health’s 2005 Guidance for HIV Testing . ED staff may present the availability of rapid HIV testing during intake or initial triage. The staff member performing the streamlined counseling may give Part A of the Informed Consent for HIV Testing (the informational section) to the patient for review along with an explanation that the ED physician recommends testing for HIV to all adolescent and adult patients, regardless of risk factors. Individuals who have no questions should be asked to sign the signature page (Part B) of the form. Other ways to provide information on testing may include a verbal review of the form and/or the use of print and/or audiovisual materials in a waiting area. More extensive counseling should be provided upon patient request or upon assessment that this is required. Educational brochures can help patients understand the benefits of HIV testing. The rapid screening result will be available in
