State Licensure Requirements
Many licensure boards in Kentucky require continuing education on HIV/AIDS (please check with your licensure board for specifics).
As of 2015, HIV/AIDS education no longer is required for Kentucky physicians or nurses.
CHFS-endorsed HIV/AIDS course on TRAIN.ORG for all health care personnel (free, 1.0 hour)
Combination Prevention – Working with Clients to Stop HIV Transmission
214901 (1.0 hour, general information on HIV).
Note: TRAIN will direct the learner to the Cardea Training Center. There is a registration process.
Registration and fees: This independent study is free of charge. There is no fee for a certificate of participation or CNE certificate.
After completing the course and receiving the certificate of completion, send certificate by
CHFS PHPI.
Required Training for HIV Testers
Kentucky law requires HIV testers to be trained in accordance with CDC guidance, which focuses on nonclinical settings. Two prerequisite TRAIN courses are required before attending a one-day, in-person course. Certificates of completion must be submitted before registering for the one-day, in-person course.
Note: This training is to accomplish HIV prevention counseling of rapid testing and how to interpret and give results. For training on test administration, including finger sticks, please refer to your agency or organization's protocols for shadowing and hands-on training.
To complete the prerequisite courses:
-
Create a TRAIN KY account if you don't already have one.
- Take the online prerequisite course Combination Prevention – Working with Clients to Stop HIV Transmission
course #214901 (1.0 hour, general information on HIV).
Note: TRAIN will direct the learner to the Cardea Training Center. There is a registration process.
Registration and Fees: This independent study is free of charge. There is no fee for a certificate of participation or CNE certificate.
- Take the online prerequisite course Implementing HIV Testing in Nonclinical Settings course 1104889 (4.0 hours, testing guidance).
Note: This course consists of three modules, and is the replacement for Fundamentals of HIV Prevention Counseling. Completion of all three modules is required.
After completing both courses, please email certificates to CHFSPHTESTING@ky.gov.
Kentucky Harm Reduction and Syringe Exchange Program
More information on the
KY Syringe Exchange Programs
In response to Senate Bill 192 enacted during the 2015 regular legislative session, the Kentucky Department for Public Health has published guidelines for local health departments implementing Harm Reduction and Syringe Exchange Programs (HRSEP).
Senate Bill 192 impacts
KRS 218A.500
HRSEP Guidelines (Long Version)
HRSEP Guidelines (Short Version)
Did You Know?
Many Kentuckians with HIV do not get tested before they become sick
As determined by the CDC in 2022, Kentucky is a medium HIV/AIDS morbidity and mortality state with an HIV diagnosis rate of 9.0 cases per 100,000 and currently ranks 22nd nationally. As of December 31, 2023, 12,418 cumulative HIV infections were diagnosed among Kentuckians, of which 59 percent had progressed to AIDS. Of the Kentuckians diagnosed with AIDS in the last 10 years (Jan. 1, 2014 through Dec. 31, 2023), 22 percent of the 3,568 persons with HIV infection were unaware of their HIV infection until 30 or fewer days before their AIDS diagnosis. Many went undiagnosed for years, not receiving the dual benefits of current treatment which stops progression of disease and stops transmission during sexual activity. As of Dec 31, 2023, 55 percent of cumulative adult/adolescent HIV cases identified their primary transmission route as male-to-male sexual contact (MMSC). Sixteen (16) percent of adult/adolescent HIV cases reported heterosexual or female heterosexual contact as their primary transmission route, 11 percent reported injection drug use (IDU) and 6 percent reported both MMSC and IDU. Ten (10) percent of cumulative adult/ adolescent HIV cases were reported without a risk factor identified (Undetermined). HIV screening is available at all county health departments. For anyone with a positive screen, referrals are made to HIV medical care and the Kentucky HIV/AIDS Care Coordinator Program (KHCCP). All confirmed cases of HIV disease, including AIDS, are reported directly to the Surveillance office at DPH in Frankfort.
CDC recommends HIV screening as part of routine clinical care in all health care settings with the right for the patient to opt-out.
Get Tested, Kentucky
Every county health department in Kentucky and many community-based organizations offer free anonymous or confidential HIV tests.
Find a test site near you (opens a new browser window).