§300ff–62 Provision of certain counseling services

Summary

The Secretary cannot give a grant under this program unless the applicant agrees to provide clear counseling and information to people tested for HIV/AIDS. If a test is negative, the applicant must explain how to prevent HIV, hepatitis B and C, and other sexually transmitted diseases; how reliable the tests are; what the result means and the chance of later developing disease; whether more counseling, tests, or education are needed; what it means if someone also has chronic hepatitis B or C and the risk of liver disease; and where to get hepatitis B vaccine and hepatitis treatments. If a test is positive, the applicant must give similar information and also tell the person about early treatment options, local health, mental health, and support services and referrals; help with finding and counseling people who may have been exposed or whom the infected person may have exposed; advice on the duty to tell sexual partners and needle‑sharing partners and how to do that safely; the role of public health authorities in locating and counseling contacts; the hepatitis co‑infection risks; and where to get hepatitis B vaccine. Applicants must make sure counseling fits the needs and situation of each person. States must also make sure emergency response workers get counseling that fits their needs. Grantees may still use funds to counsel someone who did not get tested if testing was judged not appropriate.