HIV/AIDS: State of Washington Mandatory 2 Hour Training

Introduction

Conclusion

Glossary

Resources

References

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For many years HIV infection or AIDS was a death sentence. It was not until the highly active antiretroviral medications were discovered, that HIV virus and the diseases it causes began to be viewed as a chronic illness rather that a death sentence. Since it was first identified in the 1980s, researchers and clinicians have increased our knowledge of HIV and its diseases. The massive public health effort to increase knowledge about HIV transmission and effective ways to protect oneself from infection, have helped to reduce the fear that initially gripped the US.

The State of Washington has a legal requirement that certain identified workers have training related to HIV and AIDS. Selection of topics may be made to meet specific licensing boards' requirements. Unless otherwise specified, all six topic areas must be covered for the 7-hour licensing requirements. Topic areas I, II, V, and VI must be covered for the 4-hour licensing requirements and for non-licensed health care facility employees (who have no specific hourly requirements). There is also a 2 hour requirement for some workers. Please consult the Department of Licensing at (360) 236-4700 with specific questions about hourly requirements or call the Department of Health's HIV/AIDS Hotline for referral at: 800-272-2437.

In 2007 the Know HIV Prevention Education: An HIV and AIDS Curriculum Manual for Health Care Employees, 6th Edition, developed by the Washington State Department of Health, M. Selecky, Secretary, was revised. The online course you are now taking utilizes this curriculum but also includes updated statistics and additional information in order to provide current, accurate information to the learner. This course meets the requirements of Washington State for HIV 2-hour training. It contains the required Parts 1, 2, 5 and 6 of the required information.

Part 1. Etiology and epidemiology of HIV and AIDS

• Definition of HIV, AIDS
• How HIV works in the body
• Reported HIV cases, reported AIDS cases in US and Washington State

Part 2. Transmission and Infection Control

• Transmission of HIV
• Behaviors that increase risk of HIV transmission
• Infection control precautions
• Factors affecting risk of transmission
• Risk for transmission to healthcare workers
• Other factors affecting transmission
  • Risk reduction
  • Bloodborne pathogens requirements
• Universal/Standard Precautions and Infection Control
• Reporting of on-the-job exposure
• Post-exposure prophylaxis
• Infection control in other settings

Part 3. Testing and Counseling (Part 3. is NOT covered in this 2 hour HIV course.)

• Types of HIV testing
  • HIV test information
  • "Window period"
• Pre-test counseling
• Post-test counseling
• Recommendations for testing related to sexual assault
• Partner notification

Part 4. Clinical Manifestations and Treatment (Part 4. is NOT covered in this 2 hour HIV course.)

• Natural history of HIV infection
• AIDS case definition
• AIDS indicator conditions
• How HIV works in the body
• New drug therapies
• Case management/resources
  • Tuberculosis and HIV
  • Other sexually transmitted diseases and HIV
• Hepatitis B and HIV
• Hepatitis C and HIV
• Comparison Chart of HIV, HBV and HCV

Part 5. Ethical and Legal Issues

• Reporting requirements
• Confidentiality requirements
• Disability and discrimination
• Behaviors endangering the public

Part 6. Psychosocial Issues

• Personal impact
• The human response to death and dying
• Caregiver issues
• Select populations

Continue on to Part 1. Etiology and Epidemiology of HIV and AIDS