Incorporating the CDC Recommendations for Adolescent HIV Screening into Practice

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued revised recommendations for HIV testing that contain significant changes for adolescents and adults, namely that all patients ages 13 through 64 years should be offered routine, opt-out HIV screening without separate written consent or prevention counseling. This article elucidates the role of nurse practitioners caring for adolescent patients and provides a “to do” list for HIV screening implementation (including testing procedures, the consent process, confidentiality, communication of test results, insurance coverage, and links to legal and referral resources). Although this article includes issues unique to adolescents, the adult practitioner will also find it to be a useful guide for implementation.