For Medical Professionals

The Maricopa County HIV Surveillance Program works to ensure that all cases of HIV and AIDS found in Maricopa County are accurately documented and reported to the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS), per Arizona Revised Statute 36-133. Data gathered from the Surveillance Program is used by ADHS and the CDC to determine the incidence (the number of new infections) and prevalence (the total number of infections) of HIV and AIDS in Maricopa County. This information is used to determine how much funding the County should receive to combat the spread of HIV and AIDS locally.

The MCDPH Surveillance Program works with providers throughout Maricopa County, investigating reported cases of HIV or AIDS and helping providers and staff to complete the mandatory HARS (HIV/AIDS Reporting System) form. This form is processed by the Arizona Department of Health Services and data is submitted to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for statistical reporting.

HIV/AIDS is a communicable disease which medical providers are required by law to report to the Public Health Department. If you are a medical provider and need to report a case of HIV/AIDS, please download the Communicable Disease Reporting Form, complete it, and fax to 602.372.6035. Reports can also be mailed to the HIV Surveillance Program at 1645 E. Roosevelt St. Phoenix, AZ 85006. For surveillance questions, please contact our office at 602.506.2934.

Once a case has been received, a Surveillance Investigator will contact your medical records office to set up an appointment for a chart review. The Investigator will review the medical chart and complete the required documentation based on information provided in the chart. Charts will not be removed from your records office, but the Investigator may be required to make copies of certain documentation provided within to substantiate the report of the disease or a co-morbidity. All information received remains confidential and is only submitted to the Arizona Department of Health Services.

• What is the clinical case definition for HIV?
  

Under Arizona Administrative Code (AAC) R9-6-202, 203, 204, and 205, a health care provider, an administrator of a health care facility or correctional facility, an administrator of a school, child care establishment, or shelter, or their authorized representatives shall submit a communicable disease report to the local health agency. HIPAA Privacy Rule expressly permits disclosures without individual authorization to public health authorities authorized by law to collect or receive the information for the purpose of preventing or controlling disease, injury, or disability, including but not limited to public health surveillance, investigation, and intervention.
(ref: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/m2e411a1.htm)