Accelerating Improvements in HIV Prevention and Care in the U.S.
Jul 18, 2013
Signed by: Barack Obama
Signed on: Jul 15, 2013
Published on: Jul 18, 2013
Jul 18, 2013
Signed by: Barack Obama
Signed on: Jul 15, 2013
Published on: Jul 18, 2013
Summary
Starts a new government plan to help more people get tested for HIV and receive better medical care to improve their health and stop the virus's spread.
What problem does this solve?
Many people in the U.S. with HIV do not know they have it or are not getting the medical care they need. This order creates a special group to coordinate government efforts, using new science to improve testing and treatment for people with HIV.
What does this order do?
Establishes the HIV Care Continuum Initiative
Creates a new program to organize federal efforts to improve HIV prevention and treatment, based on recent scientific discoveries.
Creates the HIV Care Continuum Working Group
Forms a new group, led by the Office of National AIDS Policy and the Department of Health and Human Services, to coordinate how different government agencies work to improve HIV care.
Requires recommendations for action
Directs the new Working Group to give the President recommendations on how government agencies can improve HIV testing and treatment within 180 days.
Focuses on the full range of HIV care
Highlights the need to close gaps in the HIV care process, from diagnosis to getting treatment that effectively controls the virus.
Connects HIV care to the Affordable Care Act
Notes that the Affordable Care Act will help more people get HIV testing and prevent insurance companies from denying coverage to people with HIV.
Who does this affect?
- People living with HIV
- Healthcare providers
- Public health agencies
What is the real world impact?
•
Aligns federal policy with new science
Uses recent scientific findings, which show that early treatment greatly reduces HIV spread, to guide the national response. This helps make sure government efforts are based on the best available evidence to save lives.
•
Leverages the Affordable Care Act
Connects the fight against HIV to the Affordable Care Act, which expands access to health insurance. This helps more people get tested and treated for HIV without worrying about high costs or being denied coverage.
When does this start?
This order became effective on July 15, 2013, and includes specific deadlines for action.
Recommendations to the President
Within 180 days of July 15, 2013, the HIV Care Continuum Working Group must provide recommendations to the President on improving HIV care.