NCJ Number
238281
Date Published
January 2009
Length
37 pages
Annotation
This report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides guidance for the implementation of HIV testing in correctional facilities.
Abstract
This correctional system in the United States consists of various types of facilities: State and Federal prisons, jails, and juvenile correctional facilities. The problem of HIV/AIDS in correctional institutions and society at large is one that needs to be addressed. As such, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CD) developed this framework for implementing opt-out HIV testing across varied correctional settings. The paper lists the six basic principles of opt-out HIV testing: 1) it should be voluntary and free from coercion; 2) information should be provided to all inmates on HIV/AIDS and HIV testing upon entry into the facility; 3) screening should be performed only after notifying the inmate that an HIV test will be performed unless he or she opts-out; 4) consent for screening should be incorporated into the general informed consent for medical diagnostic services; 5) separate written consent should not be required for HIV testing, unless required by State law; and 6) appropriate clinical care and support services should be provided to inmates diagnosed with HIV infection. Sections II and III of the document examine opt-out HIV screening processes and issues related to inmate privacy and confidentiality, respectively. Section IV presents information on available HIV testing strategies, while section V presents information on providing treatment and services for inmates with positive diagnoses. Section VI discusses the challenges and potential solutions faced by correctional institutions in dealing with HIV/AIDS and HIV testing, while section VII discusses the need for HIV/AIDS reporting. 48 references and appendixes A-D