<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".09" citation="COMAR 10.18.08.09" title_num="10" subtitle_num="18" chapter_num="08" heading="Post-Test Requirements for HIV Testing by Health Care Providers.">
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>If a patient’s HIV test result is negative, the individual providing testing shall provide post-test information to the patient tested that includes:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>That the HIV test result is negative; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>The meaning of a negative result.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>If a patient’s HIV test result is indeterminate, the individual providing testing shall provide post-test information to the patient in person that includes:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>That the HIV test result is indeterminate;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>The meaning of an indeterminate HIV test result; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>A recommendation that the patient:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Return in a medically appropriate time frame for another HIV test; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Take precautions as if the patient’s HIV test result had been positive until the patient is retested.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="C.">
    <text>If a patient’s HIV test result is positive:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>The individual providing testing shall provide post-test information to the patient in person that includes:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>That the HIV test result is positive;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>The meaning of a positive HIV test result;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(c)">
        <text>If the patient is pregnant:</text>
        <paragraph num="(i)">
          <text>How HIV infection may affect a pregnancy, fetus, or newborn;</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(ii)">
          <text>That there is a potential that the newborn will have HIV infection; and</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(iii)">
          <text>Information regarding recognized methods of reducing the risk of transmission of HIV to the fetus; and</text>
        </paragraph>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(d)">
        <text>Information regarding the patient’s responsibility to:</text>
        <paragraph num="(i)">
          <text>Notify all known sexual and needle-sharing partners of possible exposure; or</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(ii)">
          <text>Request assistance from the health officer in the jurisdiction to notify all known sexual and needle-sharing partners of possible exposure;</text>
        </paragraph>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>The health care provider shall:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Ensure the patient is linked to an appropriate source of HIV medical care and support services; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>If necessary, provide the patient with information about mental health services for HIV-infected individuals;</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>For contact control, the health care provider shall:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Endeavor to bring an individual with whom the patient has had potentially infectious contact to examination and, as appropriate, prophylaxis by:</text>
        <paragraph num="(i)">
          <text>Requesting the health officer to conduct a contact investigation of any case of HIV; or</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(ii)">
          <text>Interviewing the patient in order to ascertain the names, descriptions, addresses, telephone numbers, and email addresses of those with whom the patient has had potentially infectious contact; and</text>
        </paragraph>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Report immediately to the health officer an individual identified as having had potentially infectious contact with a patient with a positive HIV test result;</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>A health officer shall:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Investigate and notify immediately an individual reported under the provisions of §C(3)(b) of this regulation, who is within the health officer’s jurisdiction of the individual’s exposure and advise the individual to undergo a medical examination to ascertain whether the individual is infected with HIV; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Immediately forward to the Secretary all reports of individuals who are outside the health officer’s territorial jurisdiction for referral to the health officer of the proper jurisdiction; and</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(5)">
      <text>A reported individual shall, within 1 week of notification, be examined to ascertain whether the individual has been infected with HIV.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
</regulation>