NCJ Number
232855
Date Published
November 2009
Length
18 pages
Annotation
This report, which was requested by and presented to the Maryland General Assembly, examines the feasibility of testing inmates for HIV at release from State correctional facilities and linking newly diagnosed HIV positive inmates with treatment services in the community.
Abstract
Of particular interest to the Maryland General Assembly are the potential budgetary implications of such testing and the provision of HIV-related medical services. The feasibility study estimates that the cost of a prerelease HIV testing and treatment program to be between approximately $815,000 and $3.1 million. These costs include HIV testing, treatment during the remaining period of incarceration, partner notification services, and transitional case management. The feasibility study further determined that the program would avert between 5.27 and 35.56 new HIV transmissions, which would result in a savings between $1.66 million and $11.2 million in associated medical costs, a new savings between $845,000 and $8.1 million. The staff of the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DPSCS) responded to an in-depth questionnaire compiled by the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH). DHMH staff also reviewed numerous articles on the costs of testing and provision of care and treatment of inmates either during incarceration, prior to release, or upon release. DHMH staff reviewed other State laws regarding HIV counseling and testing on inmate release. DHMH staff also provided data and information related to HIV epidemiology, prevention, care, treatment, and social support services and programs provided to inmates through DHMH resources. Dr. David Holtgrave, Chair, Department of Health, Behavior, and Society of the Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, provided the economic modeling methodology that was used to calculate the budgetary implications of HIV testing, provision of HIV care and treatment, and linkage to care of inmates at release. Appendix and 18 references