Clinical Services at the RI Training School

Regulation Authority:

42-72-5

Purpose and Reason:

This proposed amended rule incorporates and updates provisions previously contained in a Department of Children, Youth and Families rule proposed for repeal (Sexually Transmitted Diseases). Amendments to the proposed Clinical Services at the RI Training School include: Based on risk and on the recommendations of the US Preventive Health Services Task Force every resident of the RITS is offered HIV testing at least annually: • HIV screening tests are offered to all residents at the time when routine blood work is obtained, at the time of the physical exam and once annually thereafter. • Counseling for HIV testing is provided in accordance with procedure established by the RI Department Of Health. • Counseling describes the significance of the test, meaning of a negative or positive result and reporting requirements. • If a resident tests positive, partner notification and further counseling are offered. In accordance with Rhode Island General Law 23-6.3, all test results are confidential and are stored in the medical file. Prior to the discharge to a Department of Children, Youth and Families-approved facility of a resident with HIV infection: • The RITS physician establishes contact with the placement facility’s licensed health care professional to exchange appropriate medical data. • If a resident is to be discharged home, the RITS physician establishes appropriate community-based contact for follow-up. In the amendment of this rule, consideration was given to: (1) alternative approaches and (2) overlap or duplication with other statutory and regulatory provisions. No alternative approach or duplication or overlap was identified based upon available information. No substantive changes were made in the final rule.