University:
Western Sydney University
Course:
MEDI 2003 | Clinical Sciences 2
Academic year:

2024
Views:

90

Pages:

2
Author:

Mariam A.

Principles of HIV Partner Notification Laws    NOT legally required to disclose HIV status to partners. However, lying about the status is illegal and may be charged with sexual assault. - If the partner is less than 14 then may be imprisoned. MUST take reasonable precautions against HIV transmission as could result in a maximum of $11000 fine and or 6 months of imprisonment. Reasonable Precautions  Under the Public Health Regulation 2022 NSW Law: - Using condoms - Having an undetectable viral load of less than 200 copies/mL OR - Screening and receiving confirmation from sexual partner that they are undertaking pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Methods of Partner Notification          Under the Public Health Regulation 2022 NSW the attending medical practitioner may conduct contact tracing by notifying past sexual partners without disclosing your details at risk of contracting HIV or other STIs of measures to be taken and activities. Online anonymous notification of contacts via SMS or email. Partner notification should be offered as part of comprehensive testing and care. Partner notification only when the HIV positive patient expresses their consent. Patient referral: - The index patient informs their partners directly about their needs for testing and treatment. - This is often referred to as partner notification. Provider referral: - A healthcare professional informs the partners about their need for testing and treatment. Supportive approach: - Partner notification services about be non-coercive and non-punitive. - Encourage open communication and trust between patients. Timely and comprehensive: - Partner notification should occur promptly after HIV diagnosis. - Partners need information about testing, treatment and preventative options. Monitoring and evaluation: - Regularly assess patient notification outcomes, including partner testing rates and linkage to care. - Adapt strategies based on real world effectiveness. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).           Medication given to prevent HIV. It is highly effective for preventing HIV when taken as prescribed. Reduce the risk of getting HIV from injection drug use by at least 74%. It is less effective when it is taken when NOT prescribed. It only protects against HIV; condom use is still important for the protection against other STIs. There are NO interactions between PrEP, birth control and hormone therapy. Side effects: - Diarrhea - Nausea - Headache - Fatigue - Stomach pain - These side effects usually go away after time, but if they persist should talk to the healthcare provider. Can be prescribed when any of the following apply: - Have had anal or vaginal sex in the past 6 months and have:  Have a sexual partner with HIV  Have not consistently used a condemn.  Have been diagnosed with a sexually transmitted disease in the past 6 months. - Inject drugs and:  Have an injection partner with HIV.  Share needles, syringes or other drug injection equipment such as cookers. - Have been prescribed PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) and:  Report continued risk behaviour  Have used multiple courses of PEP May choose take PrEP even if the behaviours above do not apply. Paying for PrEP: - The doctor may give a prescription. - It is subsidized by the government through the PBS for Australian Residents who hold a current Medicare card.