New bill would allow HIV counselors to perform rapid STD testing

Learn more about SB 932 (Wiener), which would allow HIV counselors to perform rapid testing for STDs, in addition to the HIV and HCV rapid tests they are already authorized to perform. The bill would also allow HIV counselors to receive HIV counseling training through a training course that has been certified by the Office of AIDS.

HIV counselors should be fully utilized to combat increasing rates of STDs. Unfortunately, existing law prohibits HIV counselors from performing skin punctures in order to obtain blood for rapid STD tests. The current scope of practice for HIV counselors allows them to conduct finger stick specimen collection for rapid HIV and HCV testing, but there is no such exception for rapid STD testing. SB 932 would remove an unnecessary barrier to rapid STD testing by allowing HIV test counselors to also perform skin punctures for rapid STI tests. HIV counselors should be a one-stop-shop to help address the state’s interrelated epidemics of HIV, HCV, and STDs.

HIV counselors are already subject to stringent training requirements, including how to administer rapid tests and in universal infection control precautions. SB 932 would expand the availability or training by allowing HIV counselors to be trained through a training course that has been certified by the Office of AIDS.

LEARN HOW APLA IS COORDINATING WAYS YOU CAN SUPPORT SB 932

1.        SUBMIT LETTERS OF SUPPORT BY MARCH 18^TH

·         Attached is a template letter of support. Letters must be submitted via the legislative portal: https://calegislation.lc.ca.gov/Advocates/ by March 18, 2020.

·         Help us keep track: send a copy of the letter to Craig Pulsipher at [email protected].

2.        VOICE YOUR SUPPORT AT OUR 1st HEARING ON MARCH 25^th  

·         SB 932 will be heard by the Senate Health Committee on Wednesday, March 25rd at 1:30 PM in Room 4203. Please attend the hearing, and during the public comment period, urge committee members to vote yes.