<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".10" citation="COMAR 10.18.08.10" title_num="10" subtitle_num="18" chapter_num="08" heading="Post-Test Requirements for HIV Testing in Nonclinical Settings.">
  <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;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>The meaning of a negative result; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>A recommendation about whether a repeat test is advisable based on potential recent exposures and the type of test technology used.</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 tested 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;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>Information regarding transmission of HIV and means of preventing transmission of HIV; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <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 tested 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>Information regarding transmission of HIV and means of preventing transmission of HIV;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(d)">
        <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 would 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;</text>
        </paragraph>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(e)">
        <text>That the patient should have a medical evaluation by a physician or physician’s designee who knows that the patient is HIV positive;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(f)">
        <text>That the patient should receive ongoing health care appropriate for an HIV seropositive individual; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(g)">
        <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 individual performing the HIV test shall:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Ensure the patient is linked to an appropriate source of HIV medical care and support services including evaluation and treatment for:</text>
        <paragraph num="(i)">
          <text>Tuberculosis;</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(ii)">
          <text>Hepatitis;</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(iii)">
          <text>Pregnancy; and</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(iv)">
          <text>Sexually transmitted infections; and</text>
        </paragraph>
      </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 individual providing the testing shall:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Request the health officer from the patient’s home jurisdiction conduct a contact investigation of any case of HIV; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Report immediately to the health officer from the patient’s home jurisdiction any known 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 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>