HIV/STD Testing in Pregnancy

Florida Administrative Code (FAC) Rule 64D-3.042 requires that Emergency Departments (ED) of hospitals licensed under Chapter 395.F.S. refer any woman who has not or is not receiving prenatal care after the 12th week of gestation to the local county health department for HIV/STD testing.

This referral must be made in writing and a copy of the written referral sent to the local county health department having jurisdiction over the area in which the ED is located.

Patient Education is important

FACTS

•     HIV & STD testing can SAVE a baby’s LIFE!
•     With treatment, HIV transmission from mother to baby can be less than 2%.
•     Young women are the center of the HIV epidemic.
•     As many as one in every 200 pregnant women is infected with HIV.
•     Chlamydia, gonorrhea, hepatitis B, HIV, and syphilis can affect a baby’s health and life.

Encourage Testing

Early identification is the key to prevention

Click here for a comprehensive list of HIV Counseling, Testing and Referral Sites in your area.

Visit the Resource/Documents/Forms/Educational Tools section to see a list of the clinical and educational tools available. Simply fill out the on-line order form and submit. Materials and shipping are free.

The Florida/Caribbean AETC offers training and technical assistance and has resources available to assist Florida hospitals with implementation of rapid testing in the Emergency Department. Visit www.FCAETC.org to request training.