THMP Proposed Rules to be Posted for Public Comment Through July 11
Proposed rules for the Texas HIV Medication Program (THMP) were presented at the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) Executive Council on Thursday, May 19, 2022. The rule amends the Texas Administrative Code, Title 25, Chapter 98 which governs the Department of State Health Services THMP rules, including the AIDS Drug Assistance Program, State Pharmacy Assistance Program, and Texas Insurance Assistance Program. Proposed rules are posted in the Texas Register for public comment. This public comment period will end on Monday, July 11, 2022. Learn more about the proposed THMP rules.
Exploring an Epidemic: Congenital Syphilis in Texas Podcast
Exploring an Epidemic: Congenital Syphilis in Texas is a podcast series designed to increase awareness and build a shared knowledge in the management and prevention of syphilis and congenital syphilis for the public health workforce and their partner agencies who care for people of reproductive age and their babies. The series focuses on key strategies for providers, clinical administrators, clinic support staff, DIS, and the community to decrease the rising rate of syphilis and congenital syphilis in Texas. It aims to enhance syphilis screening, provide timely syphilis treatment, and work collaboratively to prevent new cases of congenital syphilis.
The podcast is a collaborative effort with the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Congenital Syphilis team, PHFU staff, and Denver Prevention Training Center. Listeners can find the podcast on platforms such as Apple, Spotify, and Google podcast by searching, “Exploring an Epidemic: Congenital Syphilis in Texas.” Listen to the Exploring an Epidemic Podcast.
Expedited Partner Therapy
Sexually transmitted infections continue to increase despite years-long prevention efforts to reduce the transmission of undiagnosed infection. Expedited Partner Therapy (EPT) is an intervention that has demonstrated successful outcomes by making it possible for providers to reach exposed partners who are unable or unwilling to come to the clinic. EPT is endorsed by CDC and many health organizations, like the Texas Medical Association. Learn more about Expedited Partner Therapy in Texas.
New STI Guidelines
CDC recently released Sexually Transmitted Infections Treatment Guidelines, 2021. These guidelines provide current evidence-based diagnostic, management, and treatment recommendations, and serve as a source of clinical guidance for managing sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Learn more about the new STI guidelines.
Texas HIV Medication Program Moving Forward Together Partnership
The Moving Forward Together partnership was established in March 2021 to give community stakeholders an opportunity to learn about the financial challenges facing the Texas HIV Medication Program (THMP) and provide input to DSHS on how best to address these challenges. Learn more about the Moving Forward Together Partnership.
Shortage of STD Test Kits and Laboratory Supplies
There is a current shortage of STD test kits and laboratory supplies, most notably for chlamydia and gonorrhea nucleic acid amplification tests (CT/GC NAAT). The shortages affect multiple diagnostic companies, public health, and commercial laboratories and impact several components of the specimen collection and testing process. Learn more about the shortage and the prioritization of testing while a solution to the shortage is found (PDF).
Home Testing and Home Self-Collection Guidance Roll-Out
DSHS provided interim guidance on the creation of policies for the use of FDA-approved home testing kits for HIV, and Laboratory Developed Tests for self collection kits for HIV, STDs, hepatitis C, and tests required for PrEP prescriptions. This interim guidance is intended for use by programs funded or otherwise supported by the DSHS TB/HIV/STD Section. Learn more about home testing (PDF) | Home Testing and Self Collection Guidance (DOC)
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