Legislated human immunodeficiency virus testing in New York State Emergency Departments: reported experience from Emergency Department providers

AIDS Patient Care STDS. 2014 Feb;28(2):91-7. doi: 10.1089/apc.2013.0124.

Abstract

In 2010, New York (NY) passed new legislation mandating Emergency Departments (EDs) to offer HIV tests to patients 13-64 presenting for care. We evaluated the requirement's implementation and determined differences based on HIV prevalence or site-specific designated AIDS centers (DACs). We also evaluated policies for linkage to care of new HIV positive patients. An electronic survey on testing practices and linkage to care was administered to all NY EDs, excluding VA hospitals. Basic descriptive statistics were used for analysis. The response rate was 96% (184/191). All respondents knew of the legislation and 86% offered testing, but only 65% (159/184) to all patients required by the law. EDs in NYC, high prevalence areas, and DACs were more likely to offer HIV testing. Most facilities (104/159, 65%) used separate written consent despite elimination of this requirement. Most EDs (67%) used rapid testing: oral point-of-care ED testing and rapid laboratory testing. Only 61% of EDs provided results to patients while in the ED. Most (94%) had a linkage-to-care protocol. However, only 29% confirm linkage. We provide the first report of NY ED HIV testing practices since the mandatory testing law. Most EDs offer HIV testing but challenges still exist. Linkage-to-care plans are in place, but few EDs confirm it occurs.

MeSH terms

  • AIDS Serodiagnosis / statistics & numerical data*
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Attitude of Health Personnel*
  • Diagnostic Tests, Routine / methods
  • Diagnostic Tests, Routine / statistics & numerical data*
  • Emergency Service, Hospital / legislation & jurisprudence*
  • Emergency Service, Hospital / statistics & numerical data
  • HIV Infections / diagnosis*
  • HIV Infections / epidemiology
  • HIV Infections / prevention & control
  • Health Care Surveys
  • Humans
  • Mandatory Testing / legislation & jurisprudence*
  • Mandatory Testing / statistics & numerical data
  • Middle Aged
  • New York / epidemiology
  • Prevalence
  • Self Report
  • Young Adult